Newmarket is gearing up to celebrate the best from across its precinct - with bars, cafes, accountants, fashion designers, banks and fitness centres and more among the finalists announced today for the 2023 Newmarket Business Awards.

The rigorous judging process whittled down entries to an elite group of finalists across 14 categories. The 2023 awards look to be the most competitive in the awards 11 year history. 

The independent judging panel, includes some of New Zealand’s most prominent business leaders and influencers. Among the line-up is Simon Bridges (Auckland Chamber of Commerce), Stewart Sherriff (Former CEO 2degrees), Anthony Hoy Fong (Celebrity Chef), Cameron Bagrie (Bagrie Economics), Kelly Bennett (One Plus One), Koro Dickinson (Poutama Trust), Elena Kim (PWC), Michelle Vogt (Mint Consulting), Wynnis Armour (Armour Consulting), and four expert mystery shopper judges.

Sponsor judges include Jonny Highton from Auckland MINI Garage and Jacqui Hourigan from Q Mastercard®, as well as a panel from Rotary Newmarket for Young Business Person of the Year.

Newmarket Business Association’s CEO, Mark Knoff-Thomas, says “Once again a superb range of businesses from across Newmarket have demonstrated business excellence. As we move away from the challenges of COVID, it’s good to see our brands hitting their stride once again. Newmarket has some of the best of the best - locally, nationally and internationally. We look forward to celebrating with all the finalists and winners on August 25th - a night for Newmarket to stand proud.”

The category winners, as well as the People’s Choice, Newmarket Legend Award, and the Supreme Winner, will be announced at the awardsevening to be held at Cordis on Friday 25^th August 2023.

The awards are proudly sponsored by Auckland MINI Garage and Q Mastercard®.

The Newmarket Business Awards 2023 finalists (in alphabetical order):

Diversity & Inclusion Champion of the Year- Sponsored by Q Mastercard®

• Chorus 
• Heartland Bank
• BFT Newmarket

Most Sustainable Business of the Year - Sponsored by Spaces

• BLUNT
• Deadly Ponies
• Dove Hospice Shop
• Kowtow

Best Use of Social Media - Sponsored by Spark Business Hub Waitakere

• BetterCo Advisory & Accounting
• Burger Burger
• Drop Out Store
• flo & frankie
• Luna Bakehouse

Innovation of the Year - Sponsored by Awhi

• AMLHUB
• BLUNT x Karen Walker
• Industry Training Auckland
• Yu Mei

Best Small / Medium Business of the Year - Sponsored by ATPI Corporate Travel

• AMLHUB
• EmbroidMe Newmarket
• Moxx Brands
• nim Creative
• Off Broadway Motel

Best Medium / Large Business of the Year - Sponsored by Multi-Media Systems

• BetterCo Advisory & Accounting
• BLUNT
• Heartland Bank
• The Olympic Pools and Fitness Centre

Employer of the Year - Sponsored by ANZ

• AMLHUB
• flo & frankie
• RUBY
• Scarpa
• taylor

Best Customer Experience - Sponsored by Recognise & Reward

• Deadly Ponies
• Dental Artistry Group
• EmbroidMe Newmarket
• Plumbline 
• taylor

Cafe of the Year - Sponsored by Naked Malt

• Bambina Newmarket Café
• Café L'affare
• Gateau House
• Luna Bakehouse
• Newbie Cafe

Restaurant of the Year - Sponsored by The Macallan

• Ajisen Ramen Restaurant
• Inca Ceviche & Woodfired Grill
• Khao San Eatery
• V.T. Station
• New York Grill

Night Time Venue of the Year - Sponsored by Newmarket Business Association

• Event Cinemas - Boutique
• Ground Zero
• Sardine
• The Lumsden Freehouse
• Timezone Newmarket

Young Business Person of the Year - Sponsored by Rotary Newmarket

• Ben Mune – Ascend Financial
• Grant Elliott – Drop Out Store
• Kyo Shen - Eden Noodles
• Vinay Iswar – BetterCo Advisory & Accounting

International Retailer of the Year - Sponsored by Westfield Newmarket

• Deadly Ponies
• Golden Goose
• Moncler
• lululemon

Retailer of the Year - Sponsored by SBM Legal

• BIRKENSTOCK Newmarket
• Elle & Riley
• Partridge Jewellers
• Scarpa
• taylor