Business Night Out 2025
Council’s biggest night in business is back!
This year's Bayleys Business Night Out will be held on Thursday 4 September and entries for the awards are now open. Any business can enter, so give some time and thought to what makes your business special, then check out the entry requirements below and enter here. Entries will close at 5pm on Thursday, 31 July 2025.
Before putting your entry together make sure to read more about the 2025 award categories below (businesses are only allowed to enter one category).
People's Choice Award
Nominations are also open now for the People's Choice Award. Anyone can nominate a business in this category, and you can still be nominated for the People's Choice Award if entering one of the other categories.
The top five nominees from each town/area will then be advertised, with the winners decided by public vote.
Nominate a business from Morrinsville, Matamata or Te Aroha here.
The closing date for People’s Choice nominations is Thursday, 31 July 2025 at 5pm.
2025 award categories
Trades, Manufacturing and Primary Industries
Recognises businesses operating in the trades, manufacturing, engineering, building, rural or primary industries. Those that use effective methods and techniques focusing on improvement in quality, innovation, cost production, waste reduction, customer service and health and safety.
Consumer Services
Recognises businesses in the retail, tourism and hospitality industries. The sale of goods and services, face-to-face or online. Those that deliver quality experiences and activities in the tourism industry, or those that deliver excellence in the hospitality industry such as accommodation or dining.
Professional Services
Recognises businesses whose principal activity is the provision of services. Showing strength in business growth, innovation, training and personal development. This includes (but is not limited to) legal, real estate, medical and financial services.
New and Emerging Business
Recognises businesses that have achieved significant growth during the last one to five years as a result of effective planning and delivery. The business must have started trading after 31 March 2020.
Bayleys' Supreme Award
All category winners are eligible for the Bayleys' Supreme Award, with the winner selected by the judges.
Supporting documentation
To increase your chances of becoming one of the Matamata-Piako 2025 Business Awards finalists, you will need to include relevant documentation to support your application.
This could include how your business meets the brief of the category you are entering, statistics, customer or sector testimonies or any other information that informs the judges of your business aims and objectives, your uniqueness, your successes and your vision. We recommend attaching supporting documentation to help the judges assess your nomination, such as:
- Business bio - a summary of your business, including business history and an outline and explanation of significant business achievements during the last 12-18 months.
- Contribution to your business sector and the wider business community.
- Effective financial management.
- Financial viability statement signed by your accountant.
- Job creation and staff training.
- Positive impact on communities and people.
- Business and environmental sustainability.
- Business marketing, including social media and online engagement.
Files can be uploaded on the website - there are some spots where you can write answers and then an opportunity to upload documents that support what you've written. It is easiest to submit in a PDF format - please make sure all forms are accurately labelled with your business name and an appropriate title.
Purchase tickets
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now - secure your ticket and be part of the celebration!
This event always sells out, so if you and your team wish to attend, we strongly advise purchasing tickets now to avoid disappointment.
Your ticket includes a drink on arrival, canapés, buffet style dinner, and dessert. Ticket sales close on Thursday, 14 August 2025.
Guest speaker - Lisa O'Neill
Our guest speaker for 2025 is brought to you by CooperAitken.
For over two decades, Lisa O'Neill has been electrifying audiences with her unique ability to deliver profound messages through side-splitting humour. After watching countless people struggle with energy, leadership and personal growth, Lisa discovered that transformation happens when hard truths are delivered with lightness and laughter.
She's authored seven books and spoken to audiences of 5000+, and works with major organisations. With infectious energy and practical wisdom, Lisa helps people and organisations get out of their own way to create magnificent lives and exceptional results. Learn more about Lisa O'Neill here.
