Call for Entries from April 14, 2025 to August 31, 2025
Venkat Raman
Auckland, April 14, 2025
We are happy to announce the launch of the 16th Annual Indian Newslink Business Awards with a call for entries from companies of South Asian and Fiji Indian origin registered in New Zealand.
Entries open today (April 14, 2025) and will close at 6 pm on August 31, 2025.
Businesses owned, operated, managed, and franchised by individuals of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, and Nepalese origin in New Zealand are eligible to enter seven business categories, while individuals associated with businesses can enter three individual categories.
The Indian Newslink Business Awards have been a cornerstone of recognition for South Asian businesses in New Zealand since their inception in 2008. These awards celebrate entrepreneurship, innovation, and excellence, acknowledging the contributions of businesses across diverse industries. Among the highlights is the recognition of men and women who have achieved organisational and corporate excellence and highly-valued governance.
Over the years, the event has gained prestige and credibility, attracting political, corporate and community leaders and professionals. With a rigorous judging process, the Awards serve as a benchmark for business success, fostering growth and inspiring future entrepreneurs.
Beyond accolades, the initiative strengthens community connections, promotes ethical business practices, and highlights the economic impact of South Asian enterprises in New Zealand’s landscape. The Awards Programme continues to evolve, adapting to emerging trends and challenges in the business world.
Entry Form Part 1
All companies entering categories 1 to 7 must complete a single Entry Form Part 1, plus an additional Part 2 Form for each category entered. Downloadable forms and further information are available on the Indian website www.indiannewslink.co.nz. This is an important section and carries 50% of the total marks allotted. Please read through this Part and answer all questions.
Awards Categories
Business Excellence in Retail Trade: This Award recognises a successful retail business which exceeds customer expectations. The Judges seek to understand the competitive advantage of the business and consider evidence of how that has enabled the business to be profitable.
Business Excellence in Innovation: This Award recognises a business with an innovation culture which leads to improved business performance. The Judges are looking for evidence of systems which capture innovative ideas resulting in improved processes, products and services for customers.
Business Excellence in Marketing: This Award recognises a business that shows a commitment to marketing and demonstrates an understanding of the need for accurate market information, effective sales processes, and the importance of establishing brand credibility.
Business Excellence in Customer Service: This Award recognises businesses that provide consistent high-quality service to customers. The judges are looking for evidence of strategies, policies, and staff training which emphasise the importance of superb customer service.
Best Small Business: This Award recognises a successful Small business which exceeds customer expectations. The Judges seek to understand how a small business operates in a competitive environment and the factors that guide it towards higher levels of productivity and profitability. A Small business is classified as having up to 10 full-time Time Employees (FTEs).
Best Large Business: This Award recognises a successful large business which exceeds customer expectations. The Judges seek to understand the advantage that the business and the industry enjoy and consider evidence on how that has enabled the business to be profitable. A large business is classified as having more than 25 Full-Time Employees (FTEs).
Business Excellence in International Trade with India: This Award recognises a business that has excelled through international business with India. It celebrates outstanding growth in sales to customers in India and/or in sales made to other global markets outside New Zealand through key operations in India and/or growth in sales from goods and services imported from India. The judges are looking for financial evidence demonstrating international business growth in absolute terms and as a proportion of total business revenue.
Best Young Entrepreneur of the Year: This Award recognises an outstanding young man or woman aged 35 or under on 31 March 2024 who has had a significant impact on the success of a business.
Best Financial Advisor (Mortgage & Insurance) of the Year: This Award recognises an outstanding registered Financial Adviser advising on mortgages & insurance who has exercised care, diligence and skill in providing superior professional services to clients.
Best Businesswoman of the Year: This Award recognises an outstanding woman who has had a significant impact on the success of a business.
This Indian Newslink Business Awards have grown to become one of the most coveted programmes in New Zealand, offering a platform for enterprises to showcase their excellence, innovation, and commitment to success. The winners will be honoured at a Gala Black Tie Dinner on Monday, November 24, 2025, an evening that promises grandeur, networking opportunities, and well-deserved recognition.
A Robust Process
The entry process is designed to be rigorous yet accessible, ensuring that businesses of all sizes have the opportunity to participate. Entrants must submit their applications electronically via email to awards@indiannewslink.co.nz by 6 pm on or before August 31, 2025.
The judging process is independent, transparent, and highly robust, conducted by a panel of esteemed professionals with expertise in various industries. Judges evaluate entries based on business strategy, financial performance, innovation, customer service, ethical practices, and overall contribution to the economy.
Entrants are required to provide substantial information about their companies, including production, sales, and profit performance over the past two or three years. This ensures a fair and comprehensive assessment of each business’s achievements.
The Gala Black Tie Dinner will be an evening of celebration, networking, and recognition. Business leaders, entrepreneurs, dignitaries, and industry experts will gather to honour the winners and finalists. The event will feature keynote speeches, a panel discussion and a formal Awards Presentation Ceremony, making it a night to remember for all attendees. Details of the venue and programme will be announced in September 2025.
Professional Assistance for Entrants
For businesses seeking guidance in preparing their entries, professional assistance is available independently of Indian Newslink and the judging panel. Entrants can negotiate terms and fees directly with the following experts:
Georgia Saxon
The Awards Shop
Hawkes Bay
Mobile: 021-715479; Email: georgia@awardshop.co.nz
Website: www.awardshop.co.nz
Manish Tanna, Auckland
Mobile: 021-822772; Email: manish.tanna@hotmail.com
Conditions of Entry
To maintain the integrity of the awards, the following conditions apply:
Entries must be submitted electronically via email to awards@indiannewslink.co.nz.
Entries sent by post, fax, or other means will not be accepted.
The decision of the judges is final, and no correspondence will be entertained regarding the results.
Employees and management of Indian Newslink and sponsoring organisations are not eligible to enter.
Participating in the Indian Newslink Business Awards offers businesses a unique opportunity to (1) Gain recognition for their achievements (2) Enhance their brand credibility and market presence (3) Network with industry leaders and potential collaborators (3) Benchmark their performance against top businesses in the community (4) Celebrate their successes with employees, clients, and stakeholders.
