Taranaki Business Excellence Awards Celebrate Local Achievements

The TSB Taranaki Chamber of Commerce celebrated local business achievements at its annual Business Excellence Awards on October 7, 2023. Among the standout winners was Whitaker Civil Engineering, which garnered the Supreme Award for its resilience and innovative practices in the construction sector.

Founded by Chris Whitaker in 1980, the Bell Block-based company has navigated significant challenges over the years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Co-directors Frances Boyce and Graeme Dravitzki, who took over the company in 2014, expressed their pride in receiving the top honour.

Recognizing Innovation and Resilience

The judges praised Whitaker Civil Engineering for its entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity, noting that the firm now competes effectively with larger national companies. “With innovation at its core and down-to-earth drive behind every step, they now lead with confidence as a regional firm,” the judges stated.

In an acceptance speech, Boyce attributed the company’s success to its dedicated staff, diversification strategies, and resilience. “This award is a recognition of the effort and hard work of our people. We call ourselves a large small business and a small large business because we kind of see ourselves as family,” she said.

Whitaker Civil Engineering has worked on several high-profile projects in Taranaki, including the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge and the Liardet St overpass. Current projects include the Coastal Walkway extension at Waitara and the Tūparikino Active Community Hub.

Honouring Community Contributions

Another significant recognition at the awards was the Taranaki Mayoral Award, presented to Graham Wells, who founded Wells Group with his brother in a garage in 1984. The New Plymouth-based company has since grown from a two-man operation to a business with over 400 staff today, peaking at 700 employees in 2010.

Wells Group specializes in instrumentation, electrical services, automation, and revenue metering and operates across New Zealand. Upon receiving the award, Wells emphasized the collective effort of his team, stating, “This award’s got my name on it, but it’s not about me; this is about all the people that have contributed towards the success of the business.”

The Taranaki Mayoral Award, determined by the region’s mayors and the chairperson of the Taranaki Regional Council, recognizes sustained leadership and contributions to the local business community.

Additional Award Winners

The event also honored various businesses across multiple categories. Notable winners included:

• Govett Quilliam for Large Business
• Central Taranaki Automotive for Medium Business
• HD Geo for Small Business
• Landpro for both Technology and Health and Safety
• The Silo Crop & Brew for New and Emerging Business and Hospitality
• The Kiwi Butcher Shop for Brand and Marketing and Innovation
• Taranaki Foundation for Purpose
• On the House for Business Continuity
• Hollard Gardens for Environmental
• Feastival for Visitor Experience

The awards ceremony highlighted the strength and diversity of Taranaki’s business community, showcasing innovations and contributions from a range of sectors that continue to drive the region’s economic growth.