Congratulations to our Waikato Chamber members recognised recently at regional, national and international awards ceremonies. From hospitality and tourism, to construction, technology and innovation, it’s fantastic to see local businesses and individuals being celebrated for their excellence, creativity and leadership.
These achievements highlight the incredible depth of talent, innovation and ambition within the Waikato business community. Congratulations to all award recipients and finalists.
Hobbiton Movie Set has received global recognition, accepting a prestigious 32nd Annual Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement – Attraction, Limited Budget. The award celebrates the team’s immersive Bagshot Row interior Hobbit Hole experience, which has captivated visitors from around the world with its storytelling, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
Widely regarded as one of the highest honours in themed entertainment, the Thea Awards recognise excellence in immersive visitor experiences on an international stage. CEO and Co-Founder Russell Alexander and General Manager Tourism Shayne Forrest accepted the award in Orlando, Florida, acknowledging the enormous collaborative effort behind the project, from designers and builders through to landscapers, creatives, partners and staff who helped bring Bagshot Row to life.
New Zealand Commercial Project Awards
Waikato businesses were recognised on the national stage at the New Zealand Commercial Project Awards, with several Chamber members taking home honours for outstanding project delivery and innovation across the commercial construction sector.
Gold Awards
Head Office, Horotiu ($10m-$25m category) - Commercial
Project Kohia, Hamilton - Industrial
Kinfields Village, Hamilton - Retail
100 First Ave, Tauranga - Commercial Fit Out
Silver Awards
Harvard Industrial Development, Tauriko - Industrial
Activate Church Trust, Hamilton - Commercial Fit Out
Values Award
Head Office, Horotiu ($10m-$25m category) - National Value Award
Gold Awards
Dentsu Auckland - Commercial Fit Out
Beyond Radiology Hamilton - Health Project
Silver Award
Te Awamutu Presbyterian Community Centre - Civic Project
Hamilton-based technology innovator Lance Bauerfeind, of Company-X, has been recognised with the Auahatanga – Innovation Award at the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence to Industry. The award recognises Bauerfeind’s leadership in developing an immersive virtual reality training system for the Royal New Zealand Navy, enabling divers to safely practise complex rescue scenarios in a realistic underwater simulation environment.
The cutting-edge multiplayer VR technology allows instructors to train alongside divers in real time, improving safety, performance, and preparedness in some of the Navy’s highest-risk environments. The recognition highlights both the growing importance of simulation technology across defence and industry, and Waikato’s contribution to world-class innovation with global potential.
Waikato Hospitality Awards
The Waikato hospitality sector was recently celebrated at the Waikato Hospitality Awards, recognising the outstanding venues and individuals helping shape the region’s dining, accommodation and nightlife experiences. More than 250 entries were judged across 12 categories, showcasing the depth of talent within the local industry.
Among the winners and finalists were several Waikato Chamber members:
Hamilton Restaurant of the Year
Winner - Reggie’s
Hamilton Central Bar
Runner-up - Wonder Horse
Highly recommended - Last Place
Waikato’s Top Accommodation Provider
Runner-up - Ibis Tainui Hamilton
Outstanding Chef and Menu
Highly recommended - JK, Mr Pickles
