Local business awards up for national awards

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Local events are up for national awards, much to the delight of those who worked hard to make them happen.

The Ashburton District Council’s business of the year awards, run by Mid Canterbury event management and promotions company Rí Rá Events, has been shortlisted for best business event and best local government event at the New Zealand Events Association’s annual awards.

Council chief executive Hamish Riach was delighted that the business of the year awards have been recognised and said the council enjoyed partnering with Rí Rá to make them happen.

"It’s a good example of council and local businesses working together to promote innovation and celebrate the district as a great place to do business.”

The second running of the biennial awards had Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa crowned the supreme winner at the finals gala, held at the Ashburton Aviation Museum in February.

The event had just over 122 entries, a big jump from the inaugural event in 2022, across 14 categories.

The overall objective of the event is to promote the Ashburton District as a great place to do business, and Rí Rá Events have already started working towards the 2026 event.

Rí Rá Events is also a finalist for the best food, beverage or lifestyle event for its Twelfth Hour Gin experience, hosted at the Methven Trotting Club’s Christmas race meeting in December.

Rí Rá Events director Gary Manning was delighted by the events being shortlisted for the NZEA Awards.

“We believe it proves that Mid Canterbury can and does deliver great events.

“We’re passionate about delivering value for our event partners and a great customer experience.

“We have progressed plans to evolve the business beyond events in the coming 12 months so watch this space.”

Founded in 2019, Rí Rá Events is owned by two Irish Kiwis, Gary Manning and Colm McGrath, and it produces and promotes events predominantly in Mid Canterbury.

The winners of the events association’s awards will be revealed at a gala dinner on August 27 in Palmerston North.