Celebrating excellence

Raewyn Loader just had her first crack at organising the Feilding and District Excellence in Business Awards, on a much larger scale than previously and at a massive new venue, Manfeild Stadium.

‘‘I couldn’t have done it without my talented and supportive coworkers Amanda Harris and Jo Payton, who were there right until the end stacking chairs and tables after the event.’’

The evening opened with Manfeild welcoming a crowd of 620 local businesses and supporters.

Comperes Blair Strang and Will Hill made a thunderous entry on Harley Davidsons and got straight into warming up the crowd.

‘‘We’re the adopted sons of the Manawatu and we love it, the rural capital of New Zealand.’’

They were joined by another celebrity guest, Suzanne Paul, who arrived on stage in a wheelbarrow being pushed by a farmer.

The surprise factor is always the theme, which is kept tightly under wraps until the evening. This was the year of the huia bird.

Organisers were given permission by artist Kathryn Furniss to use her image ‘Together Forever’ which featured throughout the awards.

‘‘It’s believed that receiving a huia feather is a great honour.’’

Loader’s been attending small town conferences around the country for years, and is repeatedly asked why the Feilding event is so successful.

‘‘They always ask how we manage to sell out the business awards each year, because theirs have died through lack of support. They all recognise that there’s something special here. I know our special thing is our local newspaper. The Feilding

Rangitikei Herald is the major sponsor and gives the awards great coverage in the build-up and afterwards.

‘‘They feature the supreme winner on the front page. Money can’t buy that, and local business know it and they want it.’’

Loader says the event it-self has to be top notch and couldn’t happen without their other partners, Manfeild, Manawatu District Council and all the sponsors. WINNERS Rural - Totally Vets Hospitality: Amayjen Restaurant

Trade services: My Plumbing Depot Personal: Weld St Physiotherapy Motor trade: Wiseman Panelbeaters Professional: You Travel Learning experience: Gail’s Childcare Centre Retailer: Health for Life Emerging: Manfeild Driver Training

Contracting: Recreational Services

Emerging star: Reece May, Amayjen Restaurant

Shining star: Mike Beytagh, FDP Secruity

Dedicated service: Rex Wheeler, Manchester St School

Employer of the year: Richard Howie, Cooper Rapley Law

Building upgrade: Adore Hair and Day Spa

Commercial development: Woodland’s Retreat

Community: Margaret and David Bowler, Riding for the Disabled

Tall giraffes: Richard and Jenni May, Amayjen Restaurant; Willie Cribb, aka William Waiirua

Supreme award: Wiseman Panelbeating