Livingstone Building won the Waipā Business Awards supreme title last week picking up their gong at a sell-out event at Mystery Creek Events Centre.
The Riverside Adventures team, from left: Graeme Martin, Memorie Brooky, Ashton Neighbor, Sally Hastie, Makayla Odlum, Jessica Forkert Harriet Smith, Kelly Woodmass. Photo: Supplied
Judges said Livingstone Building, which started in Te Awamutu 78 years ago, was a high-performing, values-driven organisation that sets the standard for excellence in New Zealand business.
The company had embraced the concept of repurposing waste and grown into a construction powerhouse while staying true to their local heritage and community.
Its commitment to quality, innovation, and people was evident in every part of the business — from robust systems and multiple ISO accreditations to industry-leading staff recruitment, retention, and career progression.
Livingstone Building chief executive Kieran Nally said the recognition was a celebration of the people and partnerships that drives the company forward.
The Waipā Networks-sponsored awards celebrated a variety of businesses with more entries than in any previous awards since they started in 2012.
An independent judging panel of experienced industry professionals led by head Judge Howard Davey from the University of Waikato Management School and field judge Steve Tritt, of the Bretton Group.
Cambridge Business Chamber chief executive Kelly Bouzaid said the awards enabled the chamber to showcase Waipā’s progressive businesses, spotlight hidden gems and recognise talent and business acumen.
“We are in a privileged position to peek into businesses of all ages and stages and see the calibre of leadership, innovation, culture and sustainability. We have seen resilience and robustness within our business community, and we are inspired and proud of the achievements we have seen,” she said.
The Riverside Adventures team, from left: Graeme Martin, Memorie Brooky, Ashton Neighbor, Sally Hastie, Makayla Odlum, Jessica Forkert Harriet Smith, Kelly Woodmass. Photo: Supplied
Supreme Award: Livingstone Building.
Excellence in Business – Large: Livingstone Building, Medium: Higgs Building, Small: The Chiro Lab, New/Emerging: Ross & Co Hair Design.
Leader of the Year: David Hall (Cambridge Resthaven).
Judges Award: Ignite Arts Academy, Employee of the Year: Christie McGregor (Complete Gas Services), Customer Choice: Fresh Choice (Te Awamutu), Community Contribution: Te Awamutu Food Forest, Innovation and Technology: MyThingz, Digital Strategy and E-Commerce: Livingstone Building, Waste Minimisation – Environmental: Livingstone Building, Contribution to Tourism and/or Hospitality: Riverside Adventures, People and Culture: Riverside Adventures and Ross & Co Hair Design, Marking and Communications: RedKitchen, International Business: Shoof International.
Livingstone Building chief executive Kieran Nally, left, with Sean Horgan of Waipā Networks. Photo: Christine Cornege
