We are honoured to have won awards in two categories this past weekend at the 2021 Ignite Wānaka Business Awards.

More than 60 businesses from around Wānaka entered the biennial awards, sponsored by Milford Asset Management. 

Winners were selected by an independent panel of local judges, and over 200 people attended the much-anticipated awards gala dinner on Saturday night which took place at Rippon Hall.

The final announcement of all finalists was originally expected in late 2021, but unfortunately had to be postponed due to the pandemic. “It was great to see so many businesses entered despite the impact of Covid and the various lockdowns we have had to endure. The quality of entries was excellent. Judges were impressed by so many businesses’ ability to adapt with Covid.” - said the convenor of judges, Wayne Hudson.

OCULA walked away with the award for Outstanding Employer (supported by EASI NZ - Enterprise & Staffing Innovations NZ - HR & Recruitment). This category recognises businesses that work with their employees to provide opportunities benefiting and complimenting both the business and employees, to make the business successful. Our fellow nominees in this category were BREEN and Manage My House.

We were also awarded the Outstanding in Retail Award (supported by LOGIC1). This award recognises a business that demonstrates business excellence in the retail and sales sector. Our fellow finalists were Wanaka Lavender Farm and Mitre 10 Mega Wanaka.

“The Ignite Wānaka board congratulates all winners and finalists in this year’s awards. The past two years have been particularly challenging and it’s important that we take a moment to celebrate all that we have achieved as a local business community.” said Ignite Wānaka chair, Jo Learmonth.

We cannot agree more! It’s been an amazing experience, allowing us to look at our business, and those within our community with renewed energy. Congratulations to all category winners. We look forward to support Ignite Wanaka’s vision of a dynamic, innovative, diverse and prosperous business community with you.