Awards Process & Judging Criteria - 2026

Whether you're a seasoned entrant or applying for the first time, this page outlines everything you need to know about how the ANZ Business of the Year Awards work - from entry criteria and key dates to how judging takes place.

Key Dates

ANZ Business of The Year Awards

5th August 2025

Launch Party - Applications Open.

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31st October 2025

Applications Close.

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Early December 2025

Interviews - If we require more information about your application, we may be in touch to request an interview in December.

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Mid December 2025

Finalists Announced - Applicants whose entries have been accepted for the finals will be notified.

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20th February 2026

Awards Gala Dinner at the Ashburton Aviation Museum.

Entry Criteria

Trading for 1 Year Minimum

If you are entering as a business or chartitable organisation you must be trading for at least 1 year.

Be Based in the Ashburton District

You must be based in Mid Canterbury (head office or centre of operations in the Ashburton District)

Solvency Declaration

You will be required to sign a solvency declaration confirming that your business can meet its financial obligations. We reserve the right to request more information.

Franchises & Contractors

Franchises and contractors may apply if they operate independently (e.g. marketing, targets, hiring, finances), have their lead decision-maker based in Mid Canterbury and are free to work with other clients (if contracting)

Nurturing Early Leadership

Some categories with the ANZ business of the Year Awards are specifically designed to recognise early-stage leadership and new ventures within our district.

Emerging Business Award

  • Entrants must be trading for 1-5 years at the time of application
  • Entrants must have Fewer than 10 staff and contractors, excluding owners

Emerging Business Leader

  • The entrant should be a senior leader, owner, or founder of a business based in the Ashburton District
  • The entrant should have held a leadership role for 1-5 years at the time of application

Multiple Winner Categories & Special Awards

Excellence In Primary Industries

This category will have two awards presented, Small Business (<10FTEs)  & Medium/Large Business (>10FTEs). This approach allows us to celebrate both growing ventures and more established organisations within the same category.

Excellence in Export

This category will have two awards presented, Small Business (<10FTEs) & Medium/Large Business (>10FTEs). This approach allows us to celebrate both growing ventures and more established organisations within the same category.

Excellence in Business Leadership

The final decision for the Excellence in Business Leadership Award is also made by the Mayor of Ashburton, based on recommendations from the judging panel.

The Supreme Award

The Supreme Award is selected from among all category winners. The final decision is made by the Mayor of Ashburton, based on recommendations from the judging panel.

Step-by-Step Process

ANZ Business of The Year Awards

Apply Online

Submit your entry through our online form. Each application includes a few standard questions and five tailored questions based on your selected category. Each question is aligned to one of our judging criteria to ensure fairness across all entries. While the entry form below automatically saves changes as you go on the same device, we recommend you prepare/save your response offline and then populate and submit your entry online.

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Judging

Our judging panel reviews all written submissions. Each response is scored against the five judging criteria (see below). Finalists are selected based on the strength and relevance of their applications.

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Interviews

Interviews - If we require more information about your application, we may be in touch to request an interview in December.

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Notification

Finalists Announced - Applicants whose entries have been accepted for the finals will be notified. If selected, you’ll be invited to attend the Awards Night. Finalists may purchase event tickets at $249.00 including GST.  While attendance is not required, it’s a great night - and there’s no better feeling than accepting your award in person!


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Gala Awards Dinner

Winners will be announced and presented with their award at a red carpet Awards Gala Dinner held at the Ashburton Aviation Museum.

Judging Criteria - 2026

Each award category includes five tailored questions, each aligned to one of the following core judging criteria. All entries are scored using this framework to ensure fairness and consistency:

ANZ Business of The Year Awards

Excellence (20%)


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Innovation (20%)


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Impact (20%)


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Leadership & Culture (20%)


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Vision & Future (20%)


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is there a Cost to Enter?

    There is no cost to enter the Awards - the only investment is your time. If you are selected as a finalist, you will have the opportunity to attend the Awards Night by purchasing a ticket at $249 inc GST.

  • How is Confidentiality managed?

    All entries are treated as confidential. Both the Event Team and the judging panel are bound by non-disclosure agreements.


    You are not expected to disclose proprietary or commercially sensitive information. Judges are required to declare any conflicts of interest, and a clear process is in place to manage these if they arise.

  • Can I challenge the judges’ decision or ask for feedback?

    The judges’ decisions are final. No correspondence will be entered into regarding placements or feedback.

  • Terms & Conditions

    You can view the full Terms & Conditions here. 

  • I have some questions?

    If you have any questions about the application or judging process, contact events@adc.govt.nz

Need help with your entry?

Need help with your entry? Consider engaging the professional services of House of Jam to help. With 14 categories celebrating excellence in business, your achievements deserve to be communicated powerfully and effectively. Tracy can help you to craft your story, highlighting the unique qualities that set your business apart.

Contact House of Jam