Thank you to everyone who entered the Spark Business Stella Awards 2022. A whopping 78 businesses entered the awards across the 10 categories. See images from the Awards Celebration here.

Stella Business Teams

Amazing teams standing tall in the face of adversity and encompassing resilience in all its forms.

The Taupō District Council Green Gang

The green gangs are thinking outside the box to work more sustainably within their industries. Their teams are coming up with clever ways of reducing waste, recycling, re-purposing, supporting other locals, educating the general public and working with other like-minded businesses.

Winner: Misfit Garden

Highly Commended: MyNoke

Other Finalists:

• SpaceCraft
• The Cozy Corner
• XOX Floral

The Virtual Legend

These online legends have really upped their virtual game! From trading online, customer friendly websites and regular engaging content, they have grown a following of loyal customers and taken their business to the next level.

Winner: Hamills Taupo

Highly Commended: Big Brown Paws Doggy Daycare & Spa

Other Finalists:

• Freedom Tribe Pilates
• Misfit Garden
• Taupo Toy Library

The CAMEX Stella Survivors

Against all odds, these businesses are still here. Not only did they survive, but they did it with grace and passion as well as blood, sweat and tears. They rose to the challenge, altering operations, changing offerings, even rearranging premises to adapt and survive.

CAMEX Stella Service Survivor

Winner: Act 2 Visual and Performing Arts School

Highly Commended: Summit Fitness

Other Finalists:

• BDO Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
• Damel Kennels, Runs, Trailers and Portable Buildings
• Graft Joinery

CAMEX Stella Tourism Survivor

Winner: Taupo Sailing Adventures

Highly Commended: You Travel

Other Finalists:

• Huka Prawn Park
• Lake Taupo Holiday Resort
• Ruapehu Alpine Lifts

CAMEX Stella Business Survivor

Winner: Get Set Event Hire

Highly Commended: Constables Kitchen

Other Finalists:

• Hamills Taupo
• Lil Something Ltd
• Positive Kaibration Café

The Love Taupō Customer Experience Masters

The masters of customer experience always put their customer first - no matter what the challenges! They have jumped at every hurdle, keeping the customer experience front of mind with every new challenge by adapting and refining your systems in a fun and safe way.

Winner: Whakaipo Lodge

Highly Commended: Tongariro National Trout Centre

Other Finalists:

• SignLab
• Sorrento Italian Dining & Wine Bar
• Taupo Top 10 Holiday Park

The Westerman's Dream Team

The dream teams have managed to stick together in the face of adversity. They supported each other, not only in the work place but in their personal lives too. They kept connected in genuine ways and did what needed to be done to get through the toughest of times. These teams have come out the other side stronger and more formidable than ever.

Winner: MMC Law

Highly Commended: Spacecraft

Other Finalists:

• AJ Hackett Taupo Bungy
• Confinement Escape Rooms
• The Cozy Corner

The More FM Community Angels

Despite all the business hurdles these teams have jumped through, they chose to support local charities and causes along the way. From monetary donations to offering their services for free or giving their time, they've made sure to have a positive impact on their community. 

 

Winner: The Source Bulk Foods

Highly Commended: Young Nails/The Dance Club

Other Finalists:

• Big Brown Paws
• SpaceCraft
• The Cozy Corner

Amplify Star Performers

Individual team members and sole traders that shine in the face of adversity.

Amplify Eco Warrior

These people are incredibly passionate about protecting the environment. They inspire their team mates with the simple changes they have made to live more sustainably while still being great at their jobs. 

Winner: Dr Michael Quintern, MyNoke

Highly Commended: Sasha Jasser, The Cozy Corner

Other Finalists:

• David Middleton, Bike Shelf One

Amplify Team Titan

Meet the stellar teammates! They are always there to help, bringing their smile, enthusiasm and encouragement with them. They are the go-to people for everyone’s needs, even if it’s not part of their role.

Winner: Deiryn Wallace, Confinement Escape Rooms

Highly Commended: Haylee Krebs, Diamond Laser Medispa

Other Finalists:

• Jodie Lough, AJ Hackett Taupo Bungy
• Regan Braithwaite, Mavericks Gastro Pub
• Victoria Goodwin, Big Brown Paws Doggie Daycare & Spa

Amplify Solo Superstar

These sole traders are absolute superstars in all areas of their business. They provide friendly, efficient service as well as quality products, and behind the scenes work tirelessly to managed admin and finances.

Winner: Paige Nairn, REACH Media Taupo

Highly Commended: Jessica Harrison, Kiko Pilates

Other Finalists:

• Barb Bowie, Tongariro Adventures
• Joel Corbett, Corbie Films
• Locky McNeill, Temple Productions

Amplify Customer Service Maestro

Despite challenges with masks, social distancing and alert levels, these customer service maestros always put the customer first. They listen, serve, pay attention to detail and are often one step ahead with knowing what their customers' needs before they do.

Winner: Anthony O’Rourke, AJ Hackett Taupo Bungy

Highly Commended: Megan Bishop, House of Travel

Other Finalists:

• Jerico Withers, The Cozy Corner
• Jonny Clapcott, Four b Bike Hire and Tours
• Meredith Wotherspoon, Diamond Laser Medispa

Thank you to everyone who entered, our specialist judges, generous sponsors especially Spark Business King Country.