Queenstown Business Awards 2025 now open
Queenstown's biennial celebration of business brilliance is back - bigger, bolder, and more inspiring than ever.
Entries open today for the 2degrees Queenstown Business Awards 2025, across 10 diverse categories, including three new additions.
Queenstown Business Chamber Chief Executive Sharon Fifield says the awards are designed to spotlight the innovation, resilience, and community spirit that define the Queenstown business landscape, while giving businesspeople a chance reflect, recharge, and revel in their achievements.
"This year’s awards are all about celebrating the incredible journey our local businesses have been on,” Fifield says. “We’ve seen remarkable growth, creativity, and grit — and now it’s time to shine a light on that. Whether you’re a startup, a seasoned enterprise, or a passionate non-profit, these awards are for you. Let’s celebrate the people and ideas that make Queenstown thrive.”
This year, the Queenstown Business Chamber is proud to welcome headline sponsor 2degrees.
Andrew Fairgray, Chief Business Officer from 2degrees says: “At 2degrees, we’re focused on delivering value and innovative business solutions that drive productivity for our customers.
"Our strategic partnership with the NZ Chambers of Commerce is incredibly important to us. It enables us to connect our local teams with local businesses through the Chamber and deliver outcomes that support NZ Inc.
"The 2degrees Queenstown Business Awards are a great way to recognise the businesses who are moving the region, our communities and NZ forward, and we’re delighted to be able to celebrate them through these awards.”
Entries are open until 15 September and available to all businesses and non-profits across the Queenstown region — Chamber membership is not required.
“We’ve made entering as simple as possible,” adds Fifield. “The new online awards platform makes it even easier — you can create a profile, save your entry, and come back to refine it in your own time. It’s designed to fit around busy business lives.”
The 2025 awards introduce three new categories:
- Small Business (SME) of the Year, sponsored by Queenstown Airport – celebrating excellence in smaller organisations that have achieved standout growth or performance
- Employer of the Year, sponsored by RealNZ – recognising businesses that put people first and foster thriving workplace cultures
- The ‘Good Sort’ Award, sponsored by Hamish Walker of Walker & Co Realty – honouring individuals who go above and beyond in business ethics, community involvement, and helping others
- Excellence in Sustainability and Environmental Business Practice – sponsored by Destination Queenstown
Returning favourites include:
- Excellence in Innovation – sponsored by Polestar
- Excellence in Marketing - sponsored by Shotover Creative
- Excellence in Community Contribution – sponsored by SkyCity Queenstown
- Excellence in Professional Services & Business Solutions – sponsored by Lane Neave Lawyers
- Excellence in Customer Experience – sponsored by Kingpin Queenstown
The winners will be revealed at a spectacular gala dinner in Queenstown’s CBD on Saturday, 8 November, with the Chamber promising a night full of celebration.
“It’s going to be a night to remember — a true celebration of the best in business. It’s always a great party” Fifield says.
The People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Mountain Scene, and the prestigious Queenstown Business Supreme Award will also return, recognising the standout business of 2025.
Entry details and category information are available now at www.queenstownchamber.org.nz/businessawards2025
