Business awards celebrate local

Locally owned and operated Greg Donaldson Contracting, has won the supreme award at the ANZ Business of the Year Awards 2026.

Specialising in large-scale agricultural contracting and pioneering technology solutions, Greg Donaldson Contracting has grown into one of Mid Canterbury’s most respected businesses.

Ashburton District Mayor Liz McMillan announced the supreme winner at the business awards gala dinner at the Ashburton Aviation Museum on Friday night.

“GDC’s outstanding combination of vision, passion and excellence have made a significant contribution to our community.”

The 2026 Business of the Year Awards were once again sponsored by ANZ, as well as a host of supporting and category sponsors. The awards were first held in 2022 and are a biennial event.

Mayor McMillan said it was an inspirational night, with the awards highlighting the incredible talent and drive right here in our district.

“There are so many success stories happening in our own backyard and they deserve to be recognised and celebrated for their hard work, and determination.”

For more information on all the finalists and winners, visit businessoftheyear.nz.
2026 Category Winners

Excellence in Primary Industries – Large

(Category Partner: Catalyst Performance Agronomy)

 Winner: Molloy Agriculture

 Highly Commended: Greg Donaldson Contracting

Excellence in Primary Industries – Small

(Category Partner:Catalyst Performance Agronomy)

 Winner: Grassroots Dairy Management Graduate Programme

 Highly Commended: Heli Rural

Excellence in Export – Small

(Category Partner: ANZCO)

 Winner: Fourflax

 Highly Commended: Hemprino

Excellence in Export – Large

(Category Partner: ANZCO)

 Winner: Kaipak

Excellence in Technology and Innovation

(Category Partner: Croys)

 Winner: Greg Donaldson Contracting

 Highly Commended: NZ Ski

Excellence in Customer Experience

(Category Partner: Spark)

 Winner: Beckley Coachlines and Travel

 Highly Commended: Homestead

Emerging Business Award

(Category Partner: Abbott Insurance Brokers)

 Winner: Hemprino

 Highly Commended: Heli Rural

Excellence in Manufacturing

(Category Partner: Fox Peak Dairy)

 Winner: Kaipak

 Highly Commended: Fourflax

Excellence in Community Impact

(Category Partner: NZ Bed Company)

 Winner: Dear Effie Charitable Trust

 Highly Commended: Community House Mid Canterbury

Excellence in Workplace Wellbeing

(Category Partner: Crest Clean)

 Winner: RMF Silva

 Highly Commended: Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa

Excellence in Environmental Sustainability

(Category Partner: Canstaff)

 Winner: NZ Ski

 Highly Commended: Greg Donaldson Contracting

Excellence in Retail and Hospitality

(Category Partner: Mt Hutt)

 Winner: Smoke Ashburton

 Highly Commended: Ruralco

Excellence in Tourism

(Category Partner: Experience Mid Canterbury)

 Winner: Hemsworth Estate

 Highly Commended: NZ Ski

Excellence in Professional Services

(Category Partner: Tavendale & Partners)

 Winner: Rushton Marketing

 Highly Commended: Croys

Emerging Business Leader

(Category Partner: Talley’s)

 Winner: Michael Donaldson – Greg Donaldson Contracting

 Highly Commended: Harriet Bell – Hemprino

Excellence in Business Leadership

(Category Partner: Naylor Love)

 Winner: Tony Aitken