JUDGING PROCESS
Judging steps
In the first stage of the process, the judges will review your written application and decide which businesses will progress to stage 2.
Stage two includes a site visit, which will take about two hours. The judges will ask questions including about your application, your business and anything else they might find relevant.
The judges will then decide who the finalist and winners are for each category and supply feedback which will be shared with your after the Gala Dinner.
Hear what our Head Judge, Dr Heather Connolly, has to say about why you should enter the Business Awards!
2025 Judges
Dr Heather Connolly
Head Judge
Adam Findlay
Fosters
Amanda Hema
The University of Waikato
Andrew Van Oosten
AVO Consulting
Brendhan Greaney
Tatua
Bridget Smith
Kiwibank
Dick Breukink
Dylan Shell
KPMG
Eddie Stocks
Kiwibank
Felila Asiata-Feausi
Oyonnx
Gwendoline Keel
Waikato Tainui
Hamish Ward
Forsyth Barr
Janise Hine-kapetiu Eketone
Trust Waikato
Jason Cowan
BNZ
Jason Dawson
Air New Zealand
Jessica Fearnley
Mitre 10 Mega
Jeremy Hughes
Company-X
Jo Goodwin
Westpac
Joanne Rickman
Rabobank
Jono Peart
Deloitte
Kim Hill
Stratigi
Kirstyn Beuzeval
Chung Associates
Kylie Harcourt
Point B
Michelle Baillie
SkyCity
Muhammad Cajee
Deloitte
Pam Roa
Longveld
Rachel Afeaki
Waikato Pacific Business Network
Sam Cunnane
Wintec
Sam Hood
Norris Ward McKinnon
Tony Begbie
ABC Business Sales















