Taranaki Business Leaders Honoured at Excellence Awards Night

The TSB Taranaki Chamber of Commerce celebrated local business achievements on March 2, 2024, during its annual Business Excellence Awards. Notably, Whitaker Civil Engineering received the Supreme Award, acknowledging its resilience and innovation in the construction industry.

Founded in 1980 by Chris Whitaker, the company, based in Bell Block, has navigated significant challenges in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its acquisition by co-directors Frances Boyce and Graeme Dravitzki in 2014, the firm has grown to employ approximately 85 staff members. The judges highlighted the company’s entrepreneurial spirit, stating, “With innovation at its core and down-to-earth drive behind every step, they now lead with confidence as a regional firm competing shoulder-to-shoulder with nationally led businesses on knowledge, systems, and delivery.”

Boyce emphasized that the award reflects the dedication of the employees. “This recognition is a testament to the effort and hard work of our people. We call ourselves a large small business and a small large business because we kind of see ourselves as family,” she remarked.

Recognising Excellence Across Various Categories

Whitaker Civil Engineering has contributed to several significant projects in Taranaki, including the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge and the Liardet Street overpass. Current projects include the Coastal Walkway extension at Waitara and the Tūparikino Active Community Hub.

In addition to the Supreme Award, Graham Wells, who co-founded the Wells Group in a garage in New Plymouth in 1984, received the Taranaki Mayoral Award. Wells credited his team, including his wife, Cath Wells, for the success of the business, which has grown from a two-person operation to over 400 staff members today.

“This award’s got my name on it, but this award’s not about me; this is about all the people that have contributed towards the success of the business,” Wells stated. The Wells Group has expanded its operations across New Zealand, specializing in instrumentation, electrical, automation, field services, and revenue metering.

The Taranaki Mayoral Award is bestowed upon a leader in the business community who has made a sustained impact on the region, chosen by the region’s mayors and the chairperson of the Taranaki Regional Council.

Acknowledging Diverse Contributions

Other notable winners at the awards included:

• Large Business Winner: Govett Quilliam
• Medium Business Winner: Central Taranaki Automotive
• Small Business Winner: HD Geo
• Manufacturing, Engineering or Trades Winner: Whitaker Civil Engineering
• Technology Winner: Landpro
• Service Winner: Govett Quilliam
• New and Emerging Business Winner: The Silo Crop & Brew
• For Purpose Winner: Taranaki Foundation
• Business Continuity Winner: On the House
• Environmental Winner: Hollard Gardens
• Health and Safety Winner: Landpro
• Brand and Marketing Winner: The Kiwi Butcher Shop
• Innovation Winner: The Kiwi Butcher Shop
• Employer of Choice Winner: Whitaker Civil Engineering
• Hospitality Winner: The Silo Crop & Brew
• Visitor Experience Winner: Feastival

The awards highlight the diverse and dynamic business landscape in Taranaki, showcasing the region’s commitment to excellence across various sectors.