The tourism and conservation business received the award at a ceremony at Shantytown Heritage Park on 24 September. It had already won the Medium Enterprise category, sponsored by Marsh.
The awards cover three enterprise categories and three special awards for sustainability, people and emerging businesses. The Supreme Award is chosen from the six category winners.
West Coast Wildlife Centre’s Richard Benton credited the team and the shared purpose behind the business.
“We’re incredibly humbled to receive this recognition. For us, it’s a reminder that when passionate people come together with a shared purpose, you really can make a difference, for wildlife, for conservation and for the community around you,” he said.
“We’re incredibly proud of our team and excited about what we can continue to build here in Franz Josef and on the West Coast for generations to come.”
Chief Judge Janine Tindall-Morice, NZME Regional Head – Southern Commercial, said the strongest entries showed more than good financial results.
“Not only did I see sound, sustainable business practice and some real out-of-the-box thinking, but real consideration of how they give back to the wider West Coast community.”
Development West Coast Chief Executive Heath Milne said the quality of the finalists made the judges’ job “pretty difficult”.
“What I like about these awards is that you get to see the people behind the businesses and hear their stories – how they’ve grown, the challenges they’ve worked through and what they’re contributing to their communities,” he said.
“West Coast Wildlife Centre is a great example of that. They’ve built a really impressive business, and it’s great to see that recognised with the Supreme Award.”
The 2026 winners
- Supreme Award and Medium Enterprise: West Coast Wildlife Centre
- Large Enterprise: Westland Medical Centre
- Small Enterprise: Host’d
- Sustainability Award: Reefton Distilling Co
- People First Award: Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
- Rising Star: SkinScreen West Coast
Milne said the winners showed the part regional businesses play in creating jobs, bringing investment and building stronger communities.
“We’ve got businesses of all shapes and sizes doing some pretty impressive things on the West Coast. The awards are a chance to recognise that work and celebrate the people who are creating jobs, investing in the region and backing their communities.”
