Excellence in Manufacturing
The Excellence in Manufacturing Award recognise the region's successful manufacturers of materials, products, or technology. These awards honour businesses that drive customer value through leading-edge innovation, operational efficiency, sustainable supply chain practices, and high levels of employee engagement.
These awards celebrate manufacturers that contribute to the region's economic growth by delivering exceptional products and services through innovation and efficiency. They prioritise sustainability and employee engagement as integral parts of their success.
Who should enter?
The Manufacturing Award is open to businesses and organisations operating within the manufacturing industry.
Examples of eligible entrants may include:
Established manufacturing companies with a track record of producing high-quality products.
Innovative start-ups with cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and processes.
Manufacturers with a focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
Companies implementing automation and robotics to optimise production.
Manufacturers offering customisation and personalised solutions to customers.
Businesses providing essential manufacturing services and support during crises.
Manufacturers contributing to local economic growth and job creation.
Organisations adopting lean manufacturing principles for operational efficiency.
Manufacturers collaborating with research institutions for product development.
Companies with a strong commitment to workforce development and employee well-being.
5 Baring Square West,
Ashburton 7700
Latest news
Mid Canterbury’s event management and promotions company Rí Rá Events, working in partnership with the Ashburton District Council has picked up a prestigious New Zealand Events Association (NZEA) award for, “Best Local Government Event” for their production of the ANZ Business of The Year Awards 2024. Rí Rá Events attended the NZEA awards gala dinner in Palmerston North on Tuesday 27 th August to collect the award. The event also received “special mention” in the “Best Business Event” category on the evening. The ANZ Business of The Year Awards was held in February 2024 at the Ashburton Aviation Museum and 375 guests attended the gala awards dinner. The overall objective of the event was to promote the Ashburton District as a great place to do business. Rí Rá events have already commenced work on the 2026 Business of the Year Awards event welcoming ANZ Bank onboard once again for the journey. Speaking about the awards, director Colm McGrath said, “We’re delighted to win a New Zealand Event Association Award for this event. We believe it proves that Mid Canterbury can and does deliver great events. It was a pleasure to work with the economic development and events team from Ashburton District Council on this project” Rí Rá events & Ashburton District Council were shortlisted as finalists in July and competed against the following events, Local Wild Food Festival, Whakatāne District Council, Taste Hastings, Hastings District Council , TSB Festival of Lights Winter Pop Up, New Plymouth District Council and Waitangi Day 2024, Porirua City to win this award. Founded in 2019 by two Irish kiwis, Gary Manning & Colm McGrath Rí Rá Events produces and promotes events predominantly in the Mid Canterbury region. It’s key clients include The Embassy of Ireland, The Ashburton District Council, ANZ Bank, Ashburton Toyota and The New Zealand Law Society. The phase Rí Rá roughly translates from Gaeilge to English as ‘fun’.
The ANZ Business of the Year Awards, a joint venture between Ashburton District Council & Ri Ra Events has been shortlisted as a finalist for Best Business Event and Best Local Government Event in the New Zealand Event Industry Awards 2024.
