2025 GALA DINNER ATTENDEE INFORMATION
The 2025 Waikato Business Awards Gala Dinner, supported by Fosters, is the biggest night on the Waikato business calendar!
Hosted by MC Duncan Garner
Celebrate and recognise Waikato’s leading businesses
Formal three course dinner – beverages included
Networking with the region’s top business leaders
This page covers everything you need to know to make the most of your evening!
Date: Friday 21 November 2025
Venue: Claudelands Arena, Hamilton
Dress Code: Formal / Black Tie
ATTENDEE DISCOUNTS
FORMAL WEAR
Take advantage of special offers from our local suppliers
20% OFF any available dress rental for Friday 21 November at Renting with SB.
Present this code instore: WAIKATOXRWSB
$145+GST for a jacket, suit, pants and tie/bow tie for Friday 21 November at Dorset Suit Hire.
Mention Waikato Business Awards
ACCOMMODATION
10% off rate of the day at Novotel & ibis Tainui Hamilton. Book here.
EVENT TIMINGS
Doors Open: 5.30pm
Guest arrival, networking, canapes and drinks: 5.30pm – 6.15pm
Formalities begin: 6.30pm
Awards presentations begin: 7.00pm
For Purpose Award
Innovation Award
Service Excellence Award
Best Emerging Business Award
Dinner service: Approx. 7.45pm
Awards presentations continue: 8.30pm
Community Contribution Award
Business Growth & Strategy Award
International Trade Award
Sustainability Award
Marketing Award
Dessert: Approx. 9.20pm
Final awards: 9.50pm
People & Culture Award
People's Choice Award
Emerging Leader of the Year Award
CEO of the Year Award
Supreme Award
Formalities conclude: Approx. 10.30pm
Bar closes: 11.15pm
Venue closes: 11.30pm
PARKING
Onsite parking is available via Gate 1, off Heaphy Terrace. Spaces are limited, so please allow extra time when arriving.
Additional on-street parking will also be available, with clear signage to assist on the night.
You are welcome to leave your car overnight in the Gate 1 carpark, however please note that security will not be present
overnight, and vehicles are left at the owner’s risk.
Parking is also available through Gate 4, off Brooklyn Road, though overnight parking is not permitted in this area.
View parking map here.
SEATING INFORMATION
Guests will be seated at allocated tables. Table allocations will be sent to the representative who purchased the event tickets. It is advised you make yourself aware your table number before arriving at the event.
A seating plan will be displayed on arrival and Waikato Chamber staff will be available to assist.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
A guest information form will be sent to the representative who purchased the event tickets. Please contact them ASAP if you have a dietary requirements and they will let us know.
For all other event queries please contact:
Rebecca Aston
Events and Marketing Manager
027 423 4277
rebecca.aston@waikatochamber.co.nz















