An Ashburton business that has turned sock-making into a science was crowned supreme winner at the 2022 Ashburton District ANZ Business of the Year Awards.
NZ Sock Co, was established by the Sparrow family in 1980 after they took over a local hosiery and also won the Technology and Innovation Award. Their history of making socks spans across three generations.
Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown chose the supreme winner and said “It’s a privilege to give this award to such an outstanding and locally-grown family business. Their socks have been worn by winners on the sports field, in the boardroom and by armies on the march. You have shown that sock-making is a real science and one that can happen in our own town.”
Recognises the success and the achievements of a business selling goods direct to the end user.
This award was decided by public vote and just one vote separated the winner from runner-up Hyundai Mid Canterbury.
The Stork Network is a social hub created to provide a safe, non-judgemental, supportive and child friendly environment for the families of our local and wider community. Dreamt up by 3 local mothers, the business offers what they only wished was available to them. The unique fusion of parenting education, genuine and sincere support, expertise in child restraints, premium retail products both in store and online and a highly regarded bespoke coffee bar has been the perfect combination for success.
Hyundai & Isuzu Mid Canterbury is a locally owned vehicle dealership representing the award-winning Hyundai and Isuzu brands in the Ashburton region. We proudly stand out amongst our competitors with our history of exceptional customer service, workplace culture, community involvement and local business support. Our team are passionate about what we do - we work together, valuing each staff members contribution to ensure a seamless experience for our individual customer's needs. We always strive to improve, and we celebrate our achievements alongside our customers, recognizing the part our business plays in creating a healthy business economy and sense of community within our region. Confidently, we chose to enter the 2022 Business of the Year awards because we have an excellent team, many long-standing who love working in Mid Canterbury. It’s our community, it’s our people, and we are dedicated to being an active part of the success of our region.
Shush, we're on a mission Our mission is to EMPOWER our COMMUNITY to find their PASSION for WELLNESS and FITNESS, WITHIN and also OUTSIDE these four walls. Community - Inclusive to all, a place where you can train and connect. Empowerment- Training to meet your passion, not others expectations. Fun - A space to laugh and smile and a dash of challenge.
The Big Al's team are passionate about our snow sports, biking on road and in the mountains along with scooters and skateboards. We hope this passion translates into the best possible experience for you every time you buy or rent gear from us.
The team at Stoked Cycles passionately believe cycling is more than just a sport- it’s a lifestyle! We’re dedicated to delivering the best experience possible for our customers. Call in and see us, we love talking about anything cycling, and with our combined knowledge and experience, you're bound to learn something for nothing! We have the gear – from bikes to accessories to clothing and shoes, the service, the repairs, maintenance and upgrades, the personalised training from qualified coaches, tips and tricks, the knowledge of tracks, events and races, and the encouragement to get out and do it. We are a one-stop shop to biking success for all, so much more than your usual bike shop & service centre. That's why we're here! To be your local, get excited for your next riding mission and share the stoke!
Recognises any business involved in the production and processing of primary goods, agribusiness, horticulture, or forestry.
The judges said: Carrfields is a well-established family business and they really impressed with their commitment to their people, their customers and the innovation they put into new product. Their desire to create value for farmers really shone through.
Carrfields consists of seven business units which operate synergistically across the primary industries supply chain. Each unit is unique in the value it creates for a farmer, but all are united in their vision to be the most trusted partner in connecting New Zealand’s agriculture to the world. Carrfields are proud to be a New Zealand, family-owned company that prides itself on providing trusted products and services to the primary sector and global agricultural community. Our wish is that our business will continue to grow. As we do that, we will deepen the partnerships that we have built.
Align Farms owns and operates seven farms located in Mid Canterbury, New Zealand. Our principal focus is dairy, advancing human health by producing high-quality, nutrient-dense food. At Align, we have a vision to have a resilient, diverse and productive environment that is enjoyed by all. We aim to be leaders in our industry in training and retaining our fantastic team while reducing our environmental footprint to allow for multi-generations to have the love of farming that we do. Align Farms is a vertically integrated dairy farm business with its own yoghurt brand and milk processing facility.
Agricultural Consulting Services has been operating since 1994 providing the agricultural sector with the latest technologies and is recognised as one of the leading authorities in Irrigation Design, GPS Mapping, DDT Residue, Soil, Pastoral and Water Analysis. The company has gained a reputation for being innovative and for providing solutions to meet the needs of a very dynamic agricultural industry. Gerard Rushton, Managing Director of Agricultural Consulting Services has over the past decade established himself as one of the leading specialist on DDT analysis, his services have been the foundation for over 80% of dairy farm conversions in the Mid Canterbury area and throughout the South Island. Gerard and his team have a strong emphasis on technology and are continually embracing and developing new technologies to provide efficient management systems for their clients. We believe that much of our success is down to the fact that we are a small family owned business that takes pride in providing a personalised service to the highest of standards.
Hi! We are Daryl and Debbie Prebble, husband and wife team and owner/operators of Bio Oils New Zealand. Our small family business has been cold-pressing Canterbury grown flaxseed (also known as linseed) for almost 35 years here in Ashburton, and we are now New Zealand's largest producer and supplier of New Zealand grown, cold pressed flax seed oil. Our goal is to provide the best flax seed products in the world, produced with passion and care in Canterbury from locally grown sustainable sources. From our humble beginnings, we have stayed true to our key values – collaborating with our local farmers, suppliers and community to deliver pure, quality and traceable products from New Zealand to our customers across the globe.
Midlands Apiaries, established in 2006, takes pride in producing some of the world’s finest honeys. Our experienced beekeepers strategically place hives in the most pristine lands and forests of clean green New Zealand, a sustainable environment that allows our bees to live up to their reputation as nature’s hardest workers. We dedicate ourselves to the art of producing and packing New Zealand’s most beautiful and popular honeys for retail sale in both domestic and export markets. It is this dedication that has allowed Midlands Apiaries to become one of the largest honey operations in New Zealand. Our purpose-built, state-of-the-art jar production, honey extraction and packing facilities further improves the quality of our honey, increases capacity, and decreases lead time. Our in-house laboratory allows us to test honey at every stage of production because world leading quality is our benchmark, in everything we do.
Recognises a business that successfully works within, and captures the benefits of, the global market, demonstrating outstanding international trade achievements, sustainable growth and results.
The judges said: This was the closest of all the categories and the winner showed all the things you would expect of a great export business. They have good connections to market, good products, good diversity and a good story behind their products, which are organic and sustainably packaged.
TranzAlpine Honey is the largest certified organic New Zealand honey producer, having been certified organic since 1993. We started our organic honey journey as family beekeepers in 1910 and celebrated 110 years in the business of beekeeping in 2020. In the same year, we gained USDA organic equivalence. Each batch of our honey is fully traceable to the individual beehive and location, it is non-GMO certified, Vegetarian Society approved and comes in 100% recycled plastic packaging. When you buy a TranzAlpine Honey product you help us to continue our commitment to our environment and nurturing of our bees so that they can continue to live their natural life-cycle in harmony with nature, nestled in the native bush and far removed from urban pollution and agricultural spraying.
The NZ Sock Co’s mission is to make the best socks you’ll ever own. It’s not just a business, it’s a family passion that now spans 40 years and three generations. Today, the NZ Sock Co. is the largest outdoor and performance sock manufacturer in Australasia, annually manufacturing millions of pairs of high-performance sport, outdoor, lifestyle and therapeutic socks and exporting around the globe for much-loved brands. We’re the engineers of some of the world’s most innovative socks and the creators of many trademarked designs. Our great socks are the result of our commitment to using the best possible material, including Nuyarn - 100% renewable, natural New Zealand-grown merino wool: alongside our dedicated and ongoing investment in research and development, world-leading Italian machinery, and high-quality New Zealand-based manufacturing.
Midlands Apiaries, established in 2006, takes pride in producing some of the world’s finest honeys. Our experienced beekeepers strategically place hives in the most pristine lands and forests of clean green New Zealand, a sustainable environment that allows our bees to live up to their reputation as nature’s hardest workers. We dedicate ourselves to the art of producing and packing New Zealand’s most beautiful and popular honeys for retail sale in both domestic and export markets. It is this dedication that has allowed Midlands Apiaries to become one of the largest honey operations in New Zealand. Our purpose-built, state-of-the-art jar production, honey extraction and packing facilities further improves the quality of our honey, increases capacity, and decreases lead time.. Our in-house laboratory allows us to test honey at every stage of production because world leading quality is our benchmark, in everything we do.
Recognises the success and achievements of a business whose principal activity is in the tourism or hospitality sector.
The judges said: This was a keenly contested category but the winner stood out for what they have already done and for what they have planned in the future. Their story telling is superb and professional, especially for a volunteer-run organisation, whose members are clearly passionate about aviation history. They are engaged with their visitors and their next level of development is huge.
Ashburton Aviation Museum collects, restores and displays historical aircraft at their complex based at the Ashburton Airport. Included in the collection is New Zealand's only Harrier Jump Jet and one of eight Skyhawks. The museum also has many items relating to aviation history. The museum is open daily and we encourage educational visits from school groups and children.
We offer affordable accommodation suited to independent travellers, families, tour groups and school groups. We strive to provide people with an affordable place that is inclusive for all visiting the region. Our owners are focused on continually adding improvements with newly refurbished rooms, refurbished swimming pool and most recently a licenced bar. This once run down lodge has become a hive of activity during the winter and continuing to grow in summer. Visitors can enjoy our outdoor swimming pool or relax in our lounge with uninterrupted views of Mount Hutt, perfect for those who want some time out from their busy lives. With 52 rooms in a variety of configurations we are able to accommodate large parties such as schools or sports teams looking for somewhere central yet private enough where they can bond together before heading off into town or on their adventure activities.
Hot Air Balloon flights with Adventure Balloons New Zealand take place on the Canterbury Plains, just an hour from Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand. Enjoy superb long-distance panoramic views of the stunning South Island scenery on every flight, including the dramatic Southern Alps, Mount Cook (Aoraki), and beyond.
Michelle and Paul Clyne have been owners of the Bella Vista Ashburton since 2014. With the support of the Bella Vista Network, and their superstar staff, they have achieved and maintained a standard of service where quality meets affordability . The Motel of choice. Rest assured, you will instantly know what to expect and enjoy comfort and convenience. The Bella Vista dedicated team strive everyday to ensure their customers are comfortable and have everything they need while away from home. As a consequence of this consistency ( and Bella Vista being the only identical style chain motel being developed in NZ , customer loyalty is strong. Bella Vista Ashburton has consistently achieved it's classification as a Qualmark 4 star motel, however, in the past two years they have achieved a Silver Tourism sustainability award, improving from Bronze.
Welcome to Brinkley Resort, a 4 star Qualmark rated property, offering accommodation and wedding/conference facilities to guests from all over the world. We feature a total of 70 self contained apartments comprised of 35 studio rooms and 35 modern two bedroom apartments. Brinkley is unique in Methven as we offer self contained apartments with a Resort style atmosphere. The resort includes additional features such as full size flood-lit tennis courts, 2 outdoor heated spa pools, golf/putting greens, children’s playground area, private heli-pad, conference centre and award-winning restaurant with licensed bar. Our mission is to provide a first class experience to all of our guests while enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Alpine mountain ranges & the warm relaxed environment of our Methven Village.
Recognises excellence in manufacturing, engineering or the use of high-tech in the manufacturing sector.
The judges said: Kaipak is a small team that are masters at making plastic jars for the food industry right here in Ashburton. They have taken a simple product and created so much value around it, by using clever technology and recycled plastic. We were wowed by their innovation.
Locally owned and operated, our team of experts know the New Zealand’s packaging industry inside and out, especially in the honey packaging game. We take pride in the value our manufacturing processes bring to others. Helping businesses meet their packaging needs with expert precision. Whether you’re a boutique food producer, artisan food maker, beekeeper packaging honey or a small business bottling nutraceutical’s, Kaipak has the right solution to meet any and all of your packaging needs. We’ve helped businesses achieve their product packaging needs and we can help yours too! Our state-of-the-art facility provides customers with a touch free production process coupled with higher surface area finishes and absolutely ZERO risk of contamination. Protecting the integrity of your product at all times, is guaranteed. Relax and take comfort in the fact that all jars are leak tested in line through our exclusive manufacturing process, meaning they stay safe and leak free from start to finish.
The New Zealand Sock Company’s mission is to make the best socks you’ll ever own. It’s not just a business, it’s a family passion that now spans 40 years and three generations. Today, the NZ Sock Co. is the largest outdoor and performance sock manufacturer in Australasia, annually making millions of pairs of high-performance sport, outdoor, lifestyle and therapeutic socks and exporting around the globe for much-loved brands. We’re the engineers of some of the world’s most innovative socks and the creators of many trademarked designs. Our great socks are the result of our commitment to using the best possible materials, including Nuyarn - 100% renewable, natural New Zealand-grown merino wool: alongside our dedicated and ongoing investment in research and development, world-leading Italian machinery, and high-quality New Zealand-based manufacturing.
Mount Hutt Pods are beautifully crafted, small footprint cabins suited to a range of environments including urban, rural and remote wilderness. Hand built in Methven, Mount Hutt Pods are designed to withstand the harsh weather conditions faced in New Zealand's rugged Southern Alps. The versatility of a Mount Hutt Pod makes them a perfect option for backyard sleep outs, playhouses, offices, campsite, or back country huts. Each Pod is manufactured to NZ Standard NZS 3604 for timber framed and are fully insulated to ensure maximum comfort irrespective of the weather. Mount Hutt Pods are built to order so they can be built in various sizes to suit your specific requirements.
TranzAlpine Honey is the largest certified organic New Zealand honey producer, having been certified organic since 1993. We started our organic honey journey as family beekeepers in 1910 and celebrated 110 years in the business of beekeeping in 2020. In the same year, we gained USDA organic equivalence. Each batch of our honey is fully traceable to the individual beehive and location, it is non-GMO certified, Vegetarian Society approved and comes in 100% recycled plastic packaging. When you buy a TranzAlpine Honey product you help us to continue our commitment to our environment and nurturing of our bees so that they can continue to live their natural life-cycle in harmony with nature, nestled in the native bush and far removed from urban pollution and agricultural spraying.
Recognises management excellence in organisations outside the private sector including the “not for profit” sector, schools and local government.
The judges said: Every small town needs a club like this. They are an exceptionally well-run club, with access to great resources and they enjoy great engagement within their membership and the community. They have lots of good projects, like the Methven walkway, and keep delivering and improving community assets.
Founded 54 years ago in 1967, the Methven Lions Club is a story of enduring service and contribution to the Methven community. The original 28 members set the bar high in establishing the Club here, with a focus on community rather than on business. Now it’s one of the largest in New Zealand with 70+ members, is an Incorporated Society and has a separate Charitable Trust for funds distribution. Like all Lions Clubs, it has a 100% focus on doing right for its community. The members are fiercely independent with their focus firmly on Methven. For Methven Lions, culture is everything. Without it we would be nothing. The culture and our members are simply and unwaveringly focused on contributing to the Methven community. Ultimately the culture is all about our people. Relationships, service, fun and fellowship are its lynch pins, because people are all that we have. No production lines. No machines. No manufacturing plant. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata – it’s all about the people.
Ashburton Aviation Museum collects, restores and displays historical aircraft at their complex based at the Ashburton Airport. Included in the collection is New Zealand's only Harrier Jump Jet and one of eight Skyhawks. The museum also has many items relating to aviation history. The museum is open daily and we encourage educational visits from school groups and children.
The Ashburton Trust Event Centre is a modern, versatile facility for meetings, conferences or theatre productions. We can cater for up to 500 people in the purpose built O’Reilly Auditorium. Smaller, more intimate gatherings can also be hosted in the Bradford Room, Foyer or Green Room. Fully equipped and staffed bars as well as catering options will ensure you have the best hospitality Ashburton has to offer. Our foyers are a great option for larger groups wanting to mingle in a spacious and light area. The Event Centre staff are more than happy to sit with you and plan your event according to your needs- we are experts at transforming our spaces into purpose appointed areas, taking care of all necessary points to make your event a true success.
Bike Methven is a biking enthusiasts club based in Methven, Mid Canterbury. Our club has a mixture of cross-country, enduro & downhill mountain bikers, as well as road cyclists, who are passionate about their riding. Mt Hutt Bike Park is our home ride base which has over 40km of XC, downhill and single track trails. Our latest projects are extending the intermediate level tracks around the lower part of the Bike Park and a UCI spec BMX track in Central Methven.
Recognises a business who is excelling in the use of technology and innovation in any sector.
The judges said: We saw that a sock is not just a sock, it’s a science. This company was happy to share the innovation, research and technology that is behind socks that are worn everyday, for medical reasons or for extreme environments. They clearly stood out in this category.
The New Zealand Sock Company’s mission is to make the best socks you’ll ever own. It’s not just a business, it’s a family passion that now spans 40 years and three generations. Today, the NZ Sock Co. is the largest outdoor and performance sock manufacturer in Australasia, annually making millions of pairs of high-performance sport, outdoor, lifestyle and therapeutic socks and exporting around the globe for much-loved brands. We’re the engineers of some of the world’s most innovative socks and the creators of many trademarked designs. Our great socks are the result of our commitment to using the best possible materials, including Nuyarn - 100% renewable, natural New Zealand-grown merino wool: alongside our dedicated and ongoing investment in research and development, world-leading Italian machinery, and high-quality New Zealand-based manufacturing.
Agricultural Consulting Services has been operating since 1994 providing the agricultural sector with the latest technologies and is recognised as one of the leading authorities in Irrigation Design, GPS Mapping, DDT Residue, Soil, Pastoral and Water Analysis. The company has gained a reputation for being innovative and for providing solutions to meet the needs of a very dynamic agricultural industry. Gerard Rushton, Managing Director of Agricultural Consulting Services has over the past decade established himself as one of the leading specialist on DDT analysis, his services have been the foundation for over 80% of dairy farm conversions in the Mid Canterbury area and throughout the South Island. Gerard and his team have a strong emphasis on technology and are continually embracing and developing new technologies to provide efficient management systems for their clients. We believe that much of our success is down to the fact that we are a small family owned business that takes pride in providing a personalised service to the highest of standards.
Locally owned and operated, our team of experts know the New Zealand’s packaging industry inside and out, especially in the honey packaging game. We take pride in the value our manufacturing processes bring to others. Helping businesses meet their packaging needs with expert precision. Whether you’re a boutique food producer, artisan food maker, beekeeper packaging honey or a small business bottling nutraceutical’s, Kaipak has the right solution to meet any and all of your packaging needs. We’ve helped businesses achieve their product packaging needs and we can help yours too! Our state-of-the-art facility provides customers with a touch free production process coupled with higher surface area finishes and absolutely ZERO risk of contamination. Protecting the integrity of your product at all times, is guaranteed. Relax and take comfort in the fact that all jars are leak tested in line through our exclusive manufacturing process, meaning they stay safe and leak free from start to finish.
Carrfields Irrigation help Canterbury and Otago food and fibre growers achieve better yields by proactively listening, designing, and delivering ongoing precision irrigation specific to their farm type needs. We also offer on-farm technology solutions providing relevant and useful data to make informed decisions on agricultural, horticultural and water applications.
Established in 2013, Mt Hutt Aviation (formally Mt Hutt Helicopter 2013 Ltd) delivers innovative fleet management support and maintenance solutions from our purpose built facility located in Alford Forest. We work with clients to firstly understand their needs and schedule maintenance programmes so that downtime is kept to a minimum. Our services include Avionics, Line Maintenance, Parts Sourcing & Sales, Modifications, Helicopter Overhauls, Paint & Panel, Refurbishments and Pre-purchase Inspections. We have the capacity to work 24/7 on time critical projects and also delivery on-site Engineering and Avionics support and services.
Recognises a future business leader for their outstanding contribution within a local organisation and the wider business community.
The judges said: The talent we have in this district is mind-blowing and Justin stood out for his vision for Ashburton. He is embedded in the community and wants to redevelop the Triangle, and he also supports other businesses. He is not just talking about it, he is doing it.
Justin has a successful business with Juice Signs + Design, he also has JMS Developments Ltd which is property development company, in the last two years Justin has single handedly transformed the Triangle Precinct in Ashburton. He has created a vibrant precinct attracting new business to the area and creating a real talking and focal point for locals and visitors to our district. He has turned an area that had absolutely no attention or love paid to it and transformed it into something that is not only visually appealing but a place where people want to visit. He has invested signficantly, from painting the buildings, self funding murals, not to mention the hours he has personally spent sweeping, spraying and generally tidying up the entire area. He supported new business with the development of Triangle Espresso, fitted out Toy Library and Emmily Harmer with new signage, attracted new tenants, Auric Electrical to the area, and isn't stopping there! He has transformed the property at 114 Victoria Street to be a beautiful home, admired by many. All the while making Juice Signs + Design, a very successful business in it's own right. Justin is forward thinking, has a keen eye for detail and is really passionate about making our town the best it can be, now and in the future. He is a hard worker, self made and self funded. He is extremely humble and wouldn't put his hand up for this award, which makes what he does even more special. He is successful in his own businesses and also goes the extra mile to support others in business around him, he is definitely a business leader now and in the future.
Designing and opening a gym in Methven. During the two years dealing with the first seven week Covid lockdown, then a three week lockdown. Spending time in level 2 which meant reduced class and gym floor numbers and having no international travelers through winter in Methven. All the time making sure the gym survived financially, but most of all making sure my community stayed healthy, happy and motivated. I also had to deal with my own mental health episode, which occurred one month after the gym opened. After a year of bumpy times I was open to lease the other half of the building I was in and then sub-lease with three other small businesses. I would attribute these achievements to always having a positive attitude and never being afraid to ask for help, strong communication skills (I can really talk lol) and wanting people especially those who live in the Ashburton District community to have opportunity to be their best
I have successfully led the company, navigating the challenges of Covid 19 and continued to grow A Team Construction and Excavation. I have nurtured and developed great business relationships including Tru-Line Civil, ACL, Muldrew Builders, Trident Homes, Rylib Group and Ashburton District Council. We have doubled the size of our team from 4 to 8 persons during the last 2 years. We have made a significant investment in Plant & Machinery, spending in excess of $250k during this period. Working with Tru-Line Civil, we’ve done a significant amount of work on the redevelopment of Ashburton CBD.
Sidekick Ashburton, a local accounting firm with a modern approach started in May 2019 with Kirsty Naish. Since May 2019 the team has grown from one to four and is looking for two more team members in 2022. Starting with ten clients and now currently servicing over 100 local businesses. Growth has been a constant but the growth has been driven by the unique approach Sidekick has taken to the Accounting and Business Advisory Industry. We are fully cloud based as well as our clients, Sidekick is a forward thinking, approachable and tech savvy business. We offer a variety of solutions that suit the SME’s of today. Hands on training, knowledge sharing and undertaking how technology can take their business to the next level. Graphs / Charts - available if required
George has been working at Carrfields over the last 7 years with a year off overseas in 2018. Starting out in an accounting graduate role he has worked his way up, now in a Business Development Manger role. Following his return from overseas he has been driving technology and innovation in the Carrfields business. One of his key achievements is developing Power BI reporting for key business drivers to over 100 staff across Carrfields. This has been a good challenge to develop new technology but also the culture change and taking people on the journey of developing new skills. Building on this George has been now developed a SAAS model for clients to manage their on farm data which is a new revenue channel for Carrfields. Continuing on with technology he has been the driving force behind a new ecommerce platform for selling prime livestock which will be launched in 2022. Working with farmers and processors to sell this new platform on it’s benefits of a direct supply chain has been a success for George.
