START UP BUSINESS AWARD
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Most business owners aren't stuck because they lack effort. They're stuck because they lack clarity and structure. Coachbirds exists to fix that, helping service-based business owners escape the constant firefighting and unpredictable growth that comes with running a business alone, to build something that doesn't rely on them every day. Founded by Mitchell Wilson, who brings more than twenty years of experience across finance, real estate and fitness, Coachbirds works online with clients throughout New Zealand and Australia. Its BOSS System, built around Sales, Systems and Strategy, gives business owners a clear, structured path forward instead of a scattered mix of tactics and advice. The team behind Coachbirds is direct and results-driven, but genuinely invested in every client's success, backed by a wider goal of helping small and medium businesses collectively reach a billion dollars in sales. Coachbirds' message to business owners is simple: you don't have to do this alone anymore. Coachbirds helps good people build great businesses and get their freedom back.
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Common Threads is a natural fibre fabric and yarn shop in the heart of Nelson CBD, in Bridge Street Studios. Founded and run by Lisa Dunker, it opened on 28 March 2026 to give good materials a second chance and to bring Nelson’s makers back together. Everything Common Threads sells is unused: deadstock, mill ends and destash from mills, dyers, makers, private stashes, estate sales and shop closures, including AURA Eclipse, an exclusive NZ-made alpaca/merino yarn from Cruella’s, a Nelson yarn store that closed. Quality, ethics and rarity guide every purchase, and only natural fibres are stocked. Common Threads champions slow making over fast fashion. Its weekly Saturday stitch club, Fibre Tribe, welcomes makers of every age, skill and fibre art, and its workshops include school holiday programmes for ages 8 to 12, knitting and crochet, darning, leather-work and hat-making. In August 2026 it launched a national online store, so makers across New Zealand can now shop its rare stock.
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Distinctively Kiwi tell stories about what makes our New Zealand destinations and experiences special. Clem and Jacquie Boer seek to uplift other businesses, especially our hardworking and dedicated hospitality and tourism operators. Their work connects customers and visitors with experiences that will bring them joy. Distinctively Kiwi use Clem and Jacquie's experience and talent for writing, photography, and getting media coverage in a way that has seen them getting unprecedented positive attention for Nelson Tasman and for businesses and destinations around Aotearoa. Their work has reached nearly one million readers and viewers during their first 12 months in business and has featured 48 businesses and 22 beautiful destinations from around Aotearoa.
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MK Construction and Contracting Limited, founded by Matai Magic Kelsall, is a modern, paperless building company providing precision-engineered residential and commercial construction services across the Nelson and Tasman regions. Established in April 2026, the business is dedicated to delivering superior craftsmanship while cultivating a legacy of trust and deep respect within the community. By combining innovative, digital project management practices with active mentorship of local apprentices, MK Construction and Contracting ensures every project meets the highest standards of structural integrity.
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The Chiro Pad is a family-focused chiropractic practice based on Hardy Street in Nelson, helping babies, children and adults take an active role in their health and wellbeing. Founded on the belief that people are designed to thrive, The Chiro Pad takes a personalised approach to chiropractic care, focusing on spinal health, the nervous system and each person's individual goals. Since opening in December 2024, the practice has grown into a thriving, busy practice, building a reputation for its welcoming environment, thoughtful care and strong connections with the local community. Led by chiropractor Patrick, alongside chiropractic assistant Donna and business and marketing director Holly, The Chiro Pad is committed to making every visit a positive experience. The team takes time to understand each patient's needs, provide practical health education and support them in working towards their health goals. With a focus on personalised care, continued learning and sustainable growth, The Chiro Pad aims to help more Nelson families understand their health and make informed choices about their wellbeing.
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SMALL BUSINESS AWARD
Supported by Cuik Media
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Call a Geek is a Nelson-based technology support business that has been keeping the top of the South connected for over twenty-one years. Founded as a brand in 2005, the Halifax Street business is locally owned and run by a three-person team - Jeroen, David and Sam - who between them have more than three decades with the company. It serves an even split of households and businesses, from first-time computer users to firms relying on it to manage their entire Microsoft 365 environment. More than 190 local businesses now do exactly that. The business operates on a simple promise, Friendly - Prompt - Value, and one rule: no job too small. Clients can walk in, phone for remote support, or have a technician come to them anywhere from Collingwood to Blenheim. It holds a 4.9-star rating from over 240 Google reviews. Call a Geek runs entirely on cloud systems and a custom-built application of its own design and makes most callouts in an electric vehicle. The shop also operates as a free drop-off point for old computers and Brother printers, open to anyone in Nelson, client or not.
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Clean Break is a boutique relationship property law firm combining technical excellence with emotional intelligence and a practical, deeply human approach. Since opening its doors just two years ago, the specialist firm has helped more than 250 people navigate separation and relationship property matters. Clients describe the team’s “clarity of approach”, feeling “informed, supported, and respected”, and achieving “life changing” outcomes. This feedback reflects Clean Break’s philosophy: explain options clearly, provide genuine support, keep matters moving, and avoid unnecessary conflict or escalation. The result? Clients who feel empowered to make informed decisions, confident in their next steps, and reassured that they’re in “safe hands”.
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Most business owners aren't stuck because they lack effort. They're stuck because they lack clarity and structure. Coachbirds exists to fix that, helping service-based business owners escape the constant firefighting and unpredictable growth that comes with running a business alone, to build something that doesn't rely on them every day. Founded by Mitchell Wilson, who brings more than twenty years of experience across finance, real estate and fitness, Coachbirds works online with clients throughout New Zealand and Australia. Its BOSS System, built around Sales, Systems and Strategy, gives business owners a clear, structured path forward instead of a scattered mix of tactics and advice. The team behind Coachbirds is direct and results-driven, but genuinely invested in every client's success, backed by a wider goal of helping small and medium businesses collectively reach a billion dollars in sales. Coachbirds' message to business owners is simple: you don't have to do this alone anymore. Coachbirds helps good people build great businesses and get their freedom back.
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Hākinakina is a Nelson-based swimwear brand making UPF 50+ cover-up swimwear for active women who want to get back in the water. Founder Sara started the business in 2020, after cancer treatment left her needing sun protection and swimwear that covered her changing body. She couldn’t find anything that protected her skin and made her feel good, so she made it herself. Today, after five years living with stage 4 cancer, Sara still swims, paddles and kayaks most days. The water is the essence of the business. It drives everything Hākinakina makes: swimwear that gives women in their 40s to 70s the confidence, comfort and style to keep getting in the water. Hākinakina’s rash tops, swim shorts and swimsuits are made from recycled fabric with UPF 50+ sun protection built in. Every piece is cut and sewn in small batches by independent New Zealand makers, in prints Sara designs herself. Hākinakina means to play sport and enjoy oneself. Its mission is to give women the water back. The brand sells to women across New Zealand, Australia, the US, Canada and beyond.
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From a nine-meal freezer in a small Nelson café to 63 retail outlets, My Kitchen Table has grown rapidly without losing sight of what matters: making proper food and genuinely looking after people. Founders and producers Ian and Pam White launched My Kitchen Table in September 2024, drawing on more than 40 years of working together in food and hospitality. Every meal is made from scratch in their Nelson kitchen, using traditional recipes, carefully selected New Zealand ingredients and regional produce wherever possible. “We are not trying to make factory food appear homemade,” says Ian. “We are building a trusted local food business where the founders remain accountable for what goes into every meal and how every customer is treated.” That commitment extends beyond the kitchen. My Kitchen Table offers free local delivery, supports customers who struggle with online ordering and works directly with supermarkets to provide a credible alternative to low-value frozen meals and expensive takeaways. Entering Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award represents an opportunity to recognise the people, partnerships and community that have supported the journey—and to demonstrate that meaningful growth can still be built around care and integrity - "Where every meal feels like home".
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MEDIUM BUSINESS AWARD
Supported by Business Studio Innovators
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Castle Trust Financial Planning is a locally owned financial advice business based in Richmond, serving individuals and families across Nelson Tasman and throughout New Zealand. Established 17 years ago, Castle Trust was founded on the belief that financial advice should start with people and their goals, not financial products. Today, its team of 10 provides advice on investments, retirement planning, insurance and mortgages, helping clients make confident financial decisions at every stage of life. Whether someone is investing through their retirement years, buying a first home, protecting their family, or planning for retirement, Castle Trust aims to make complex financial decisions easier to understand. From its beginnings as a husband-and-wife business, Castle Trust has grown into an established team while remaining independent and locally owned. Its purpose remains unchanged: helping New Zealand families make better financial decisions and become financially better off as a result.
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For more than 38 years, Chem-Dry Nelson has been helping people throughout Nelson and Tasman care for their homes and businesses. Today, under the ownership of Roger and Kylie Stuart, the business has grown into one of the region's highly capable cleaning and restoration operations. Roger and Kylie purchased Chem-Dry Nelson in August 2020, bringing fresh energy, significant investment and a determination to build a business known for outstanding service. Alongside its established carpet and upholstery cleaning services, Chem-Dry Nelson specialises in flood restoration, structural drying, fire and smoke damage, mould remediation and specialist cleaning. The team has become a familiar sight during the region's major weather emergencies, helping hundreds of families and businesses recover from devastating flooding. In 2025 alone, they attended more than 370 flood-affected homes. Despite its growth, Chem-Dry Nelson remains a proudly local business where relationships matter. Its success has been built on experienced technicians, ongoing training, quality workmanship and a genuine commitment to looking after customers. For Roger and Kylie, the goal is simple: to deliver exceptional results, earn customers' trust and be the team people turn to, whether they need their carpets refreshed or their home restored after a disaster.
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Pīhopa Retreat is an award-winning, independently owned luxury retreat set within 5.5 acres of historic gardens on Nelson’s Bishopdale Estate. Opened in November 2021, Pīhopa offers just six individually designed suites and a highly personalised style of hospitality centred on exceptional service, food and a genuine connection to Nelson Tasman. Its historic 1877 chapel provides a memorable setting for chef-prepared breakfasts, while guests enjoy local wines and produce, beautiful gardens and curated experiences throughout the region. Pīhopa was created with an ambitious vision: to prove that a small, independent Nelson business could stand alongside New Zealand’s finest luxury accommodation. That vision has gained international recognition. Pīhopa was voted #1 hotel in New Zealand by Condé Nast Traveller UK readers, has received Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best, and achieved a perfect 10/10 in the 2026 Booking.com Traveller Review Awards. Carbon positive and Qualmark 5-Star Gold accredited, Pīhopa continues to evolve while remaining focused on one goal: creating extraordinary stays that showcase the very best of Nelson Tasman.
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Think Solar Nelson helps local households and businesses reduce their energy bills and become more self-sufficient through clean, renewable solar energy. Locally owned and operated, the business designs and installs solar panels, battery storage and EV charging systems across Nelson, Tasman, Golden Bay and Marlborough. Formerly Nelson Solar, it became Think Solar Nelson in 2026, combining local knowledge with the technical expertise and support of Think Solar Group. Led by Managing Director Toby Nicholls, its highly skilled in-house team takes great pride in its work. Its customer-focused approach starts with understanding what each household or business wants to achieve, then providing clear advice and a system suited to their needs. That approach continues through an ongoing commitment to after-sales support. Its “Beyond the Install” programme includes onsite handover and scheduled follow-ups through to five years, backed by a ten-year workmanship warranty. Think Solar Nelson values its people, investing in their development and giving them the trust and support to contribute ideas and lead improvements. This commitment was recognised with the Empowering Each Other values award at the 2026 Think Solar Group Summit.
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Wine, Art & Wilderness helps visitors discover the people, places and stories that make Nelson Tasman special. Founded in 2005 and owned by Zane and Elissa Kennedy since 2018, the family business combines local knowledge with thoughtful hospitality to create personalised private and small-group tours. From boutique vineyards and artists’ studios to the golden beaches of Abel Tasman and the landscapes of Kahurangi, its experiences connect guests with the region’s character, culture and natural beauty. Alongside its touring business, Executive Limousines provides comfortable, dependable executive driving and private transfers, while The Better Bus connects visitors with Abel Tasman adventures through convenient shared transport. Across all three businesses, the purpose is shared: to make every journey welcoming, memorable and well organised, while bringing lasting value to the region. Relationships with local producers, cultural hosts and tourism partners underpin the guest experience. For this Nelson Tasman business, looking after visitors and looking after the place they have come to experience go hand in hand.
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LARGE BUSINESS AWARD
Supported by First Focus
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Aquafresh Products Limited is a proudly Nelson-owned seafood company combining more than two decades of seafood-processing experience with an ambitious vision for the future. Purchased by Jonathan McPherson and his business partners in late 2021, Aquafresh has evolved from its strong foundations in smoked seafood into a diverse seafood business encompassing fresh fish wholesaling, smoking and processing, contract packing, logistics and supply to food-service, retail and consumers throughout New Zealand. Based in Nelson, at the heart of New Zealand's seafood industry, Aquafresh is focused on delivering premium seafood with exceptional freshness, quality and reliability. The company has invested significantly in its people, processing capability, infrastructure and sustainability, including a $100,000 solar installation at its Nelson factory. Aquafresh's ambition is to build on its proud local heritage to become a first-choice independent wholesale seafood partner across New Zealand, while continuing to create jobs, develop industry capability and add value to New Zealand's seafood resources. Proudly Nelson. Built on seafood. Growing for the future.
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Harcourts Platinum Blue is a locally owned and operated real estate business serving Nelson, Tasman and the wider Top of the South. Bringing together experienced property professionals across residential sales, property management and real estate services, the business is focused on delivering exceptional results while building genuine, long term relationships with its clients and community. With a growing team and offices across Nelson & Tasman, Harcourts Platinum Blue combines the strength and reach of the Harcourts brand with a distinctly local approach. The business places strong emphasis on its people, investing in training, development and collaboration to ensure its team continues to grow alongside the communities it serves. Community is at the heart of Harcourts Platinum Blue, with the business actively supporting local organisations, initiatives and causes through partnerships, sponsorship and its Helping Hands programme. Through this approach, the team aims to make a positive contribution both in property and beyond. As Harcourts Platinum Blue continues to grow, its focus remains firmly on its people, its clients and the communities it calls home.
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NZ Electrical Solutions is a Nelson-based industrial electrical and automation business helping customers in Nelson, across New Zealand and around the world keep production running, improve their plants and use energy more efficiently. With roots stretching back over 50 years through Nelson Electrical, NZES combines longstanding regional relationships with the technical skills needed by modern industry. Today, its teams in Nelson, Blenheim, Christchurch and Otago support customers from electrical design and engineering through installation, automation and ongoing service. Its work spans food production, timber processing, refrigeration and other industrial sectors. From new production facilities to upgrades of existing plant, NZES delivers practical solutions that keep businesses operating and help them make better use of energy and resources. The business also creates opportunities for people to build skilled careers in the regions. Through apprenticeships, specialist training and leadership development, employees can progress from learning a trade to leading a team or regional operation. Former apprentices now hold management roles within NZES. As its South Island presence grows, NZES continues to invest in the people and technology its customers will need for their next stage of development.
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Top South Media is a locally owned media company which publishes Nelson Weekly, Waimea Weekly, Motueka Golden Bay Guardian and Marlborough Weekly, alongside Nelson Magazine, Marlborough Magazine, Top South Farming and its digital news platforms, Top South Now and Marlborough Now. Its weekly newspapers are delivered into 62,000 homes across Te Tauihu, while its news apps and websites attract more than 130,000 unique users each month. Its local journalists cover the people, issues, events and organisations that matter to communities throughout the region. With 35 staff based across Nelson, Motueka and Marlborough, Top South Media remains firmly focused on the communities it serves – telling local stories, celebrating local successes and keeping people informed about what is happening in their own backyard.
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COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Supported by NBS
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Harcourts Platinum Blue is a locally owned and operated real estate business serving communities across Nelson and Tasman, with offices in Nelson, Richmond, Māpua, Motueka, Stoke and Wakefield. Led by Chris Davies, the business combines strong local market knowledge and community connections with the systems, resources and national reach of the Harcourts New Zealand network. Harcourts Platinum Blue is focused on delivering an exceptional experience for its clients while building a strong, connected team and making a meaningful contribution to the communities it serves. Community involvement is an important part of the business. The team has supported and led a range of initiatives across the region, including the successful Gloves Up for Gumboots fundraising event for youth mental health. Chris Davies is also Chairman of the Inspire Foundation Nelson Tasman, which supports talented young people aged 15 to 23 to pursue excellence and reach their potential. With a growing regional presence, Harcourts Platinum Blue is proud to be locally invested, community focused and committed to making a positive difference in real estate and beyond.
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Nelson Bays Primary Health, known also as Hauora Matua ki Te Tai Aorere, is the not-for-profit charitable trust responsible for primary healthcare across Nelson Tasman. Based in Richmond, it supports the general practices where almost 112,000 local people are enrolled and delivers services reaching from Nelson, Tasman, Collingwood and Tākaka to Murchison and Nelson Lakes. It exists so that people can get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. Its teams provide mental health support, dietetics, physiotherapy, respiratory and infectious disease care, falls prevention, Green Prescription and immunisation outreach alongside general practice. It manages Golden Bay Community Health, the rural health facility in Tākaka, and part-owns the Medical and Injury Centre, the region's only dedicated urgent care service. During 2024/25, patients enrolled with NBPH-supported practices reported better access and experience than the national average, while the organisation's Enhanced Community teams received the National Primary and Community Innovation Award for their work improving health outcomes and access to care. Governed by a local board of trustees and working in partnership with iwi, Health New Zealand, councils and community organisations, Nelson Bays Primary Health is the essential partner holding Nelson Tasman's primary healthcare system together.
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Nelson Women’s Centre – A Place to Connect and Flourish. Nelson Women’s Centre is a community-led charitable "for good" organisation providing a welcoming, inclusive space for women and non-binary people in the heart of Nelson. Established at 44 Trafalgar Street in 1996, the Centre has spent 30 years supporting people to connect, access practical support and flourish. Its services include counselling, social work, housing support, food assistance, workshops, a community garden and opportunities to build friendships and reduce isolation. Guided by feminist values, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to manaakitanga and whanaungatanga, the Centre offers accessible, non-judgemental support where people can connect with others, find resources and navigate life's challenges. Following a period of closure and significant financial challenges, the Centre has rebuilt its services through community generosity, partnerships, fundraising and the dedication of staff and volunteers. Today, it continues to grow its impact while working towards a sustainable future. This year the Centre celebrates 30 years at its Trafalgar Street home, honouring the vision of the women who came before and carrying their legacy forward for future generations. Nelson Women’s Centre remains committed to ensuring everyone has a place to connect, feel supported and flourish.
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Sexual Abuse Support and Healing (SASH) is a specialist sexual harm support service based in Nelson and supporting people and whānau across the Nelson Tasman region. Established in 1984, SASH provides free, confidential and trauma-informed support for people affected by recent or historical sexual harm. Its services include crisis response, case management, court support, advocacy, counselling pathways, education, prevention and culturally responsive support. SASH exists because sexual harm can have long-lasting effects on individuals, whānau and communities, and because people need safe, specialist support that helps restore choice, control and wellbeing. Support is available across Nelson Tasman, with services designed to reduce barriers related to cost, stigma, geography and cultural safety. This includes the development of a Kaupapa Māori service for whānau Māori. SASH supports people at the time they are ready to seek help, whether the harm happened recently or many years ago. For more than 40 years, SASH has worked to ensure survivors are heard, believed and supported, while helping build a safer and better-informed community.
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Top South Media is a locally owned media company formed in 2020 which publishes Nelson Weekly, Waimea Weekly, Motueka Golden Bay Guardian and Marlborough Weekly, alongside Nelson Magazine, Marlborough Magazine, Top South Farming and its digital news platforms, Top South Now and Marlborough Now. Its weekly newspapers are delivered into 62,000 homes across Te Tauihu, while its news apps and websites attract more than 130,000 unique users each month. Its local journalists cover the people, issues, events and organisations that matter to communities throughout the region. With 35 staff based across Nelson, Motueka and Marlborough, Top South Media remains firmly focused on the communities it serves – telling local stories, celebrating local successes and keeping people informed about what is happening in their own backyard.
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INNOVATIVE BUSINESS AWARD
Supported by 2degrees
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Clean Break is a boutique relationship property law firm combining technical excellence with emotional intelligence and a practical, deeply human approach. Since opening its doors just two years ago, the specialist firm has helped more than 250 people navigate separation and relationship property matters. Clients describe the team’s “clarity of approach”, feeling “informed, supported, and respected”, and achieving “life changing” outcomes. This feedback reflects Clean Break’s philosophy: explain options clearly, provide genuine support, keep matters moving, and avoid unnecessary conflict or escalation. The result? Clients who feel empowered to make informed decisions, confident in their next steps, and reassured that they’re in “safe hands”.
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Common Threads is a natural fibre fabric and yarn shop in the heart of Nelson CBD, in Bridge Street Studios. Founded and run by Lisa Dunker, it opened on 28 March 2026 to give good materials a second chance and to bring Nelson’s makers back together. Everything Common Threads sells is unused: deadstock, mill ends and destash from mills, dyers, makers, private stashes, estate sales and shop closures, including AURA Eclipse, an exclusive NZ-made alpaca/merino yarn from Cruella’s, a Nelson yarn store that closed. Quality, ethics and rarity guide every purchase, and only natural fibres are stocked. Common Threads champions slow making over fast fashion. Its weekly Saturday stitch club, Fibre Tribe, welcomes makers of every age, skill and fibre art, and its workshops include school holiday programmes for ages 8 to 12, knitting and crochet, darning, leather-work and hat-making. In August 2026 it launched a national online store, so makers across New Zealand can now shop its rare stock.
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Hākinakina is a Nelson-based swimwear brand making UPF 50+ cover-up swimwear for active women who want to get back in the water. Founder Sara started the business in 2020, after cancer treatment left her needing sun protection and swimwear that covered her changing body. She couldn’t find anything that protected her skin and made her feel good, so she made it herself. Today, after five years living with stage 4 cancer, Sara still swims, paddles and kayaks most days. The water is the essence of the business. It drives everything Hākinakina makes: swimwear that gives women in their 40s to 70s the confidence, comfort and style to keep getting in the water. Hākinakina’s rash tops, swim shorts and swimsuits are made from recycled fabric with UPF 50+ sun protection built in. Every piece is cut and sewn in small batches by independent New Zealand makers, in prints Sara designs herself. Hākinakina means to play sport and enjoy oneself. Its mission is to give women the water back. The brand sells to women across New Zealand, Australia, the US, Canada and beyond.
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Moxie Travel is a Nelson-based travel consultancy providing bespoke self-drive journeys and personalised event support for visitors from around the world. Whilst the global travel industry is now using new technology to get faster, slicker and more automated; Moxie Travel uses that same technology to do the opposite. Engaging AI to carry the administrative load, freeing up those within the business to pour energy into the one thing AI can't replace - a genuine human relationship with every client. When a client books with Moxie, they receive something deeply personal and rooted in local knowledge no algorithm can replicate. That knowledge runs deep with the business' founder bringing almost twenty years of exploring the Nelson Tasman region, alongside earlier careers in outdoor and international education into the mix. The result is slow, meaningful travel, and a growing number of international guest nights drawn into the Nelson Tasman region. Moxie Travel is proof that in an increasingly automated world, human connection matters more than ever.
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