JUDGES
JUDGING PROCESS
In the first stage of the Judging Process, the judges will review your written application and decide which businesses will progress to stage two.Stage two of the Judging Process includes a site visit or interview, which will take up to two hours. The judges will ask questions in relation to your application, your business, and anything else they might find relevant.The judges will then decide who the finalists and winners are for each category.
Feedback will be given after the finalist announcement if you do not progress to finalists stage, and after the Gala Dinner for finalists and winners.
2026 Judges
Jason Trower
Head Judge
Amanda Hema
The University of Waikato
Andrew Van Oosten
AVO Consulting
Brendhan Greaney
Tatua
Bridget Smith
Kiwibank
Chris Williams
King St Advertising
Dylan Shell
KPMG
Eddie Stocks
Kiwibank
Fiona Michel
Braemar Hospital
Hamish Ward
Forsyth Barr
Jane Hill
Chow Hill
Jason Cowan
BNZ
Jessica Fearnley
Mitre 10 Mega
Jimmy Ormsby
Waitomo Group
Jo Goodwin
Westpac
Joanne Rickman
Rabobank
Jono Peart
Deloitte
Kelcy Ballantyne
IT Partners
Kim Hill
Stratigi
Kirstyn Beuzeval
Chung Associates
Kylie Harcourt
Point B
Michelle Baillie
SkyCity Hamilton
Muhammad Cajee
Deloitte
Natalie Mora
Good George
Pam Roa
Longveld
Sam Cunnane
Wintec
Sam Hood
Norris Ward McKinnon
Simon Parham
Waitomo Group
Tony Begbie
ABC Business Sales
Tracey Clark
Gallagher
Warren Luxon
Fosters















