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. 

Tickets are now sold out.

Applications for the business awards are now closed.

Voting for People's Choice Award is now closed. Keep an eye out here for the results.

2026 Business Night Out award categories

Our annual business awards have a fresh new format. Businesses were able to 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.

Thanks again to our sponsors: Bayleys, CooperAitken, Harcourts Te Aroha, Harkness Henry and Mediaworks