And the winners are...
Meet the winners of the 36th Nelson Pine Industries Chamber of Commerce Business Awards!
2degrees Innovative Business
Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures
Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures showed the judges what innovation looks like when it’s powered by courage. During the disruption of Covid-19, while others retreated, this team invested in the future - committing to a major new-vessel project when purchasing wasn’t viable. They chose to design and build, creating a purpose-built experience that strengthens comfort, capacity, and capability on the water. The judges commended the resilience and vision behind this decision: turning uncertainty into momentum and reinvention.
Kiwibank Young Business Leaders
Mason impressed the judges with inclusive, values-led leadership in a highly public-facing role - one that requires calm under pressure and exceptional stakeholder skill. He leads a complex operation at real scale, balancing community expectations, commercial realities, and day-to-day delivery with professionalism and composure. The judges saw maturity, strategic clarity, and an ability to bring people with him. Mason leads with substance - building trust, lifting capability, and creating positive momentum for the organisation and the community he serves.
From the moment she entered the judging room, Ella stood out for her drive, focus, and infectious ambition. Her ability to spot a real need, build a strong offer and scale with pace is impressive. Ella has attracted the right people at the right moments and consistently turned vision into delivery. The panel unanimously agreed: Ella’s trajectory is impressive already, and her future is even more exciting - she has the spark and the capability to keep building big.
NBS Community Impact - Joint Winners
Te Mana Taki Hauora | Health Action Trust 
Te Mana Taki Hauora | Health Action Trust was recognised as a true “quiet achiever” - working steadily, often out of sight, yet making a profound difference in countless people’s lives. The judges were especially struck by the strength of their peer-support model: support grounded in lived experience, dignity, and hope. Their work spans advocacy, crisis support, and practical help in moments that matter most. This impact is deeply human and felt across individuals, whānau, and the wider community.
The Ministry of Inspiration impressed the judges with STEAM programmes that feel energetic, hands-on, and future-focused, building confidence, curiosity, and capability in young people. The scale is remarkable: thousands of students engaged locally and nationally, while still maintaining strong purpose and connection. Judges also valued the mentoring woven through their delivery, focused on leadership, teamwork, and real-world problem solving. This is the kind of work that lights a spark and keeps it burning long after the programme ends.
Business Studio Innovators Start Up Business
Clean Break impressed the judges with a calm, people-first approach to relationship property work - built to reduce confusion and stress when emotions are high. Their fixed-fee model brings certainty and trust, and their plain-language style helps clients feel informed and supported at every step. This is a legal service delivered with real care: clear, dignified, and human. Strong early growth shows how powerful this approach is.
Cuik Media Small Business
Digital Diligence stood out as a small business with big capability and real momentum. The judges were impressed by the ambition and clarity of the five-year plan, backed by deep platform expertise and strong partnership thinking. What really shone through was their ability to translate complex technology into practical outcomes clients can feel. Add in a culture that encourages creativity and shared input, and you have a team making Digital Diligence special.
Nelson Pine Industries Large Business
Nelson Airport presented an ambitious, future-focused vision that reaches well beyond aviation. The judges recognised an organisation actively enabling the region’s growth - strengthening connectivity, partnering to drive visitors, and helping unlock opportunity for Nelson Tasman. Their focus on customer experience was clear, alongside serious attention to sustainability and long-term resilience. Add a strong internal culture and a genuine commitment to community contribution, and Nelson Airport stands out as a regional asset confidently shaping what comes next.
CNX Medium Business & NPI Supreme Business Award Winner
Since Brendan and Jacqui Hickman took ownership in 2015, Nelson Vets has grown from a local clinic into a thriving dual-site practice. Supported by a 38-strong team, they’ve built something rare: world-class capability close to home. They were among the first in the South Island to introduce laparoscopic surgery, and they’ve kept pushing forward - investing in advanced orthopaedics, endoscopy, and AI-assisted technology to keep lifting what’s possible for pets and their owners in our region. In a year of outstanding entries, Nelson Vets rose above because they don’t just run a great practice - they’ve built a national centre of excellence, raising the bar for veterinary care in New Zealand.
Interested in entering the 37th NPI Business Awards in 2026?
View the Business Awards website for more information, award categories, entry dates tips and more.
View the Business Awards Website
See Nelson Tasman celebrate in style...
