Nelson Vets wins Supreme Award at 36th Annual Nelson Pine Industries Chamber of Commerce Business Awards
The 36th Annual Nelson Pine Industries Chamber of Commerce Business Awards culminated in a sold-out celebration of regional excellence, with Nelson Vets taking out the CNX Medium Business Award and Nelson Pine Supreme Award.
Selected from a strong field of 38 organisations and 42 entries, Nelson Vets, entering for a second time, impressed the judging panel with its clear strategic vision, commitment to innovation, and unwavering focus on both client and community care.
Judges noted the organisation’s sustained growth, investment in people and technology, and its ability to combine commercial success with genuine community impact. In a sector where trust is everything, Nelson Vets has built a reputation for clinical excellence alongside a culture that prioritises collaboration, compassion and continuous improvement.
Chamber Chief Executive Ali Boswijk said the win reflects both operational strength and leadership depth.
“Nelson Vets represents the very best of our region’s business community - values-driven, forward-thinking and deeply connected to the people they serve. In a year of outstanding entries, Nelson Vets rose above because they don’t just run a great practice - they’ve built a national centre of excellence, raising the bar for veterinary care in New Zealand. Their achievement is well deserved.”
The 36th Awards, held at the Trafalgar Centre with MC Mike McRoberts, attracted 420 attendees and showcased the diversity and ambition of the Nelson Tasman business sector. The evening celebrated innovation, sustainability, customer experience and leadership across multiple categories, highlighting the breadth of talent operating in the region.
Winning the Supreme Award positions Nelson Vets among an elite group of businesses recognised over the past three decades for setting the benchmark in excellence.
ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ali Boswijk
Chief Executive
Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce
ali@commerce.org.nz
All Winners
2Degrees Innovation Award – Abel Tasman Saling Adventures
Judges’ Comments:
Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures showed the judges what innovation looks like when it’s powered by courage. During the disruption of Covid-19, while others retreated, this team invested in the future - committing to a major new-vessel project when purchasing wasn’t viable. They chose to design and build, creating a purpose-built experience that strengthens comfort, capacity, and capability on the water. The judges commended the resilience and vision behind this decision: turning uncertainty into momentum and reinvention
KiwiBank Young Business Leader #1 – Mason Fitzgerald (Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve)
Judges’ Comments:
Mason impressed the judges with inclusive, values-led leadership in a highly public-facing role - one that requires calm under pressure and exceptional stakeholder skill. He leads a complex operation at real scale, balancing community expectations, commercial realities, and day-to-day delivery with professionalism and composure. The judges saw maturity, strategic clarity, and an ability to bring people with him. Mason leads with substance - building trust, lifting capability, and creating positive momentum for the organisation and the community he serves.
KiwiBank Young Business Leader #2 – Ella Sargent (Manawa Māori)
Judges’ Comments:
From the moment she entered the judging room, Ella stood out for her drive, focus, and infectious ambition. Her ability to spot a real need, build a strong offer and scale with pace is impressive. Ella has attracted the right people at the right moments and consistently turned vision into delivery. The panel unanimously agreed: Ella’s trajectory is impressive already, and her future is even more exciting - she has the spark and the capability to keep building big.
NBS Community Impact #1 – Ministry of Inspiration
Judges’ Comments:
The Ministry of Inspiration impressed the judges with STEAM programmes that feel energetic, hands-on, and future-focused, building confidence, curiosity, and capability in young people. The scale is remarkable: thousands of students engaged locally and nationally, while still maintaining strong purpose and connection. Judges also valued the mentoring woven through their delivery, focused on leadership, teamwork, and real-world problem solving. This is the kind of work that lights a spark and keeps it burning long after the programme ends.
NBS Community Impact #2 – Te mana Taki Hauora Health Action Trust
Judges’ Comments:
Te Mana Taki Hauora – Health Action Trust was recognised as a true “quiet achiever” - working steadily, often out of sight, yet making a profound difference in countless people’s lives. The judges were especially struck by the strength of their peer-support model: support grounded in lived experience, dignity, and hope. Their work spans advocacy, crisis support, and practical help in moments that matter most. This impact is deeply human and felt across individuals, whānau, and the wider community.
Business Studio Innovators Start UP Business – Clean Break
Judges’ Comments:
Clean Break impressed the judges with a calm, people-first approach to relationship property work - built to reduce confusion and stress when emotions are high. Their fixed-fee model brings certainty and trust, and their plain-language style helps clients feel informed and supported at every step. This is a legal service delivered with real care: clear, dignified, and human. Strong early growth shows how powerful this approach is.
CUIK Media Small Business Award – Digital Diligence
Judges’ Comments:
Digital Diligence stood out as a small business with big capability and real momentum. The judges were impressed by the ambition and clarity of the five-year plan, backed by deep platform expertise and strong partnership thinking. What really shone through was their ability to translate complex technology into practical outcomes clients can feel. Add in a culture that encourages creativity and shared input, and you have a team making Digital Diligence special.
CNX Medium Business Award – Nelson Vets
Judges’ Comments:
Nelson Vets delivered an exceptional entry in a highly competitive category. Their humane, customer centred approach and commitment to cultivating a positive, inclusive workplace culture were clear throughout their submission. The judges were especially impressed by the business’s detailed analysis, well defined strategy, and evaluation against national benchmarks. Investment in innovative technology, industry collaboration, and professional development has positioned Nelson Vets as a world class veterinary practice within the region.
Nelson Pine Industries Large Business Award – Nelson Airport
Judges’ Comments:
Nelson Airport presented an ambitious, future-focused vision that reaches well beyond aviation. The judges recognised an organisation actively enabling the region’s growth - strengthening connectivity, partnering to drive visitors, and helping unlock opportunity for Nelson Tasman. Their focus on customer experience was clear, alongside serious attention to sustainability and long-term resilience. Add a strong internal culture and a genuine commitment to community contribution, and Nelson Airport stands out as a regional asset confidently shaping what comes next.
Nelson Pine Industries Supreme Winner – Nelson Vets
Judges’ Comments:
Since Brendan and Jacqui Hickman took ownership in 2015, Nelson Vets has grown from a local clinic into a thriving dual-site practice. Supported by a 38-strong team, they’ve built something rare: world-class capability close to home. They were among the first in the South Island to introduce laparoscopic surgery, and they’ve kept pushing forward - investing in advanced orthopaedics, endoscopy, and AI-assisted technology to keep lifting what’s possible for pets and their owners in our region. In a year of outstanding entries, Nelson Vets rose above because they don’t just run a great practice - they’ve built a national centre of excellence, raising the bar for veterinary care in New Zealand.
ENDS