Bayleys Business Night Out returns 22 October 2026 at the Matamata-Piako Civic and Memorial Centre, Matamata. Doors open from 5.30pm.

Join us for a night of celebration, food and drinks. Relax and enjoy the music, award ceremony and our celebrity guest speaker Dave Letele brought to you by CooperAitken. 

Applications for the awards are now open and close 4 September. 

Click here to apply as a business for the Business Night Out awards.

Nominations for People's Choice Award close 21 August. Voting opens 26 August and closes 16 September.

Click here to nominate a business for the People's Choice award.

2026 Business Night Out award categories

Our annual business awards have a fresh new format. Businesses can now enter categories that recognise the qualities driving success across every sector, from outstanding customer service and workplace culture to business performance and emerging talent. With the option to enter up to two categories, it's easier than ever to showcase what makes your business stand out. 

Outstanding Customer Service
Recognises businesses delivering consistently strong customer experiences and service improvement.
 
Business Performance and Success
Recognises overall business performance, planning, growth, adaptability and sustainability.
 
Workplace and Culture
Recognises businesses that support people, culture, wellbeing, capability and retention.

Emerging Business
For businesses operating between 1 and 5 years, recognising progress, momentum and future potential. 

Supreme Award 
All category winners are eligible for the Supreme Award, with the winner selected by the judges. 

The People's Choice award
Nominations for the People's Choice award are now open until Friday 21 August. The top five nominated businesses from each town will go on to the public vote which opens Wednesday 26 August.

Supporting documentation 

Applicants may provide up to five supporting items if they wish. Supporting evidence is optional. 

• Customer testimonials or feedback 

• Staff feedback 

• Photos or examples of work 

• Awards or recognition 

• Media coverage 

• Business results or impact examples 

• Community involvement examples 

Thanks again to our sponsors: Bayleys, CooperAitken and Mediaworks