An energy company committed to fuelling community initiatives has won this year’s coveted Westpac Supreme Business Excellence Award. 

Western Gas Ltd, which manages 11 West Auckland Z service stations from Hillsborough to Kumeu, was the major winner at last night’s awards gala dinner held at The Trusts Arena in Henderson, attended by more than 520 guests.  

The annual awards are run by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) to celebrate the success and innovation of local businesses. 

Embracing an attitude it calls ‘what’s good in the hood’, Western Gas is committed to supporting local initiatives to address youth unemployment, working with community groups, and contributing to the environment and sustainability, as well as growing and supporting its staff to reach their potential. 

The company’s Managing Director John Lambert says he is proud and humbled to receive the award on behalf of all the Z staff who work hard to make a difference in West Auckland.

“It’s about having the energy that matters, by caring and contributing to the community which supports our business and creating opportunities for employment, learning and fun in everything we do,” he says. 

Western Gas has had a stake in West Auckland for many years. It was formed to contract manage Shell service stations, and became part of the Z franchise soon after Shell was purchased by the New Zealand Superannuation Fund and Kiwi company Infratil.

Western Gas also won the Alloy Yachts Employer of Choice and UHY Haines Norton Best Medium–Large Business awards. 

Another multiple award winner last night was The Riverhead, one of New Zealand’s oldest riverside taverns. This historic bar has become a prime hospitality destination, injecting a sense of belonging and pride into the small Riverhead community beside the upper Waitemata Harbour. 

ATEED Chief Executive Brett O’Riley says he is continually inspired by the commitment and passion demonstrated by the winning business owners and their staff, and it is an honour to celebrate their success. 

“The awards not only serve as a showcase of remarkable talent and business acumen, they set a benchmark for other businesses to aspire to and ultimately contribute to Auckland’s economic growth,” says O’Riley.

 

2013 Westpac Auckland West Business Awards – Winners

 

Westpac Supreme Business Excellence Award

Western Gas Ltd

 

Telecom Business Hub Waitakere Best Emerging Business

The Riverhead

 

Corban Revell Lawyers Small Business of the Year

Keola Homes Ltd

 

UHY Haines Norton Best Medium – Large Business

Western Gas Ltd

 

Alloy Yachts Employer of Choice

Western Gas Ltd

 

Babich Wines Excellence in Exporting

World Moving & Storage Ltd

 

Canam Group Excellence in Innovation

OUTDURE

 

Douglas Pharmaceuticals Excellence in Leadership

Debtworks (NZ) Ltd

 

North Western Toyota Excellence in Customer Engagement

Magsons Hardware Ltd

 

The Pallet Company Excellence in Social Responsibility and Sustainability

Thomas Civil & Environmental Consultants Ltd

 

Unitec Excellence in Research and Development

Alltech (NZ) Ltd

 

West Auckland Business Club & Rosebank Business Association Excellence in Strategy and Planning

The Riverhead

 

For more information visit www.BusinessAucklandNZ.com/Awards