Nominations Open for 2026 Katikati and Waihī Beach Business Awards

The public is being invited to put forward nominations for the 2026 Katikati and Waihī Beach Community Business Awards, with organisers noting several changes to this year's event. Co-hosted by Katch Katikati and Waihī Beach Events and Promotions, and sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson, the biennial awards celebrate people, businesses, and organisations that contribute to both coastal communities.

This year the number of award categories has been trimmed from 13 to 11, with some renamed and reconfigured. The 2026 categories include Employee of the Year, Cultural Ambassador of the Year, Tradesperson of the Year, Sportsmanship Award, Local Hero Award, Retail Excellence Award, Hospitality Excellence Award, Tourism Provider of the Year, Small Business Excellence Award, Organisation of the Year, and Event of the Year.

A key change to the process sees a diverse panel of judges selecting winners rather than an online public vote, which awards spokesperson Jacqui Knight says will deliver fairer and more balanced outcomes. The awards evening will be held on 3 September at Fairview Golf & Country Club, with Kiwi celebrity chef, clinical dietitian and entrepreneur Nadia Lim as keynote speaker.

Knight said this year's event comes at a meaningful time, with many businesses having faced real challenges in recent years. Nominations are free and must be submitted by 30 June. More information and nomination forms are available at katikati.org.nz or waihibeach.co.nz.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).