In a year of high costs and cautious customers, small business owners entered The David Awards in record numbers. On Thursday night, one Tauranga business came out on top.
Study Nook, which supports dyslexic and neurodivergent learners, was named Supreme Winner of The David Awards 2026 at GridAKL in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter, at an event livestreamed to finalists around the country. Founder Dani Archer launched the business in 2024 as a sole trader with no clients.
Study Nook is now a profitable company supporting learners across eight schools. Its Learner Sponsorship Programme partners with local businesses so children whose families can’t afford help still receive it. One child’s spelling went from 18 percent to 87 percent.
The Supreme Winner is chosen by the judges from the six category winners, and goes to the business with a clear vision, strong results and a real impact on its people and its community. Study Nook had also won Most Outstanding Social Impact earlier in the evening.
The judges said Study Nook “proves that ‘different is not a disadvantage,’ and it’s a model every NZ town needs.”
Six category winners, the People’s Choice winner and the Supreme Winner were announced on the night. The People’s Choice Award was decided by public vote.
| Award | Winner | Owner | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supreme Winner | Study Nook | Dani Archer | Tauranga |
| Most Outstanding Fledgling Business | Neck’s Best Thing | Aisha Addison | Rangiora |
| Most Outstanding Established Business | Esolar | Lance and Alex Double | Tasman |
| Most Innovative Business | Goover | Frank Witowski | Nelson |
| Most Inspired Use of Marketing | & Breathe First Aid | Charlotte Young | Auckland |
| Most Outstanding Social Impact | Study Nook | Dani Archer | Tauranga |
| Solo Meo | Double Undies | Jane Bogust | Auckland |
| People’s Choice | The Teacher’s Connections | Jenny Jefferson and Kelly Haysom | Auckland |
Coordinating Judge Pam Martin says the standard of entries showed how small businesses were adapting.
“This year we received the highest number of entries in the history of the David Awards, and what really stood out was the innovation and resilience of New Zealand’s small business owners. Despite a challenging economic environment, we saw businesses finding creative ways to adapt and grow, particularly through the use of AI, social media and new ways of connecting with their customers.
“Small businesses are a major contributor to the New Zealand economy, so their health and success matter to all of us. As judges, it is incredibly encouraging to see these businesses continuing to innovate, adapt and punch well above their weight. It makes us very excited about the future of small business in New Zealand.”
Aisha Addison is owner of Neck’s Best Thing, winner in the Most Outstanding Fledgling Business category.
Voyager Internet is the principal sponsor of The David Awards. Chief Revenue Officer Angela Hunter says that small businesses are the engine room of New Zealand’s economy, but too often the people behind them don’t get the recognition they deserve.
“What makes The David Awards so special is the incredible diversity of businesses and entrepreneurs it celebrates – people showing courage, ingenuity and determination to build something, create opportunities and make a difference. The calibre of this year’s finalists is extraordinary, and Voyager is incredibly proud to support a platform that shines a light on their contribution to New Zealand,” Hunter says.
NZBusiness took over as Steward of The David Awards this year. Editor David Nothling-Demmer says NZBusiness was excited to see the awards grow. “We hope to continue championing New Zealand’s small businesses through them for many years to come.”
Entries were up nearly 40 percent on last year, despite the tough economy, and the judges commented on the high standard of entries received. This year’s judges were Yem Braid, Richard O’Brien, Shira Ghyoot, Glenn Baker, Dave Rouse, Glen Sharkey, Diane Hurford and coordinating judge Pam Martin.
The 19 finalists were Agents of Architecture, & Breathe First Aid, Clean Break, Dimple Digital, Double Undies, Esolar, Flow Marketing NZ, Fundsorter, Goover, Grahn Creative, Haloguard, KiwiBoss, Neck’s Best Thing, Pete’s Natural Sodas, Prodigi, Prudential Accounting & Taxation, Sherrelle Smith Consulting + Contracting, Study Nook and Weka Legal & Real Estate.
All the winners will be profiled in a special issue of NZBusiness, to be published this month. The full winner announcement is on The David Awards website.
