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2026 WAIKATO BUSINESS AWARDS GALA DINNER INFORMATION

The 2026 Waikato Business Awards Gala Dinner, supported by Fosters, is the biggest night on the Waikato business calendar!

  • Hosted by MC Nicky Styris

  • Celebrate and recognise Waikato’s leading businesses

  • Formal three course dinner – beverages included

  • Networking with the region’s top business leaders

This page covers everything you need to know to make the most of your evening at the Gala Dinner!

  • Date: Friday 6 November 2026

  • Venue: Claudelands Arena, Hamilton

  • Dress Code: Formal / Black Tie

ATTENDEE DISCOUNTS

Take advantage of special offers from our local suppliers

DRESS HIRE

20% OFF any available dress rental for Friday 6 November at Renting with SB.
Present this code instore: BUSINESSXRWSB

SUIT HIRE OR PURCHASE

Purchase any suit from Rembrandt (excluding sale) and receive a free tie or cufflinks with purchase. (Up to a $99 value).
Hire any suit and receive a free pair of Rembrandt dress socks.

Mention Waikato Business Awards Friday 6 November.

ACCOMMODATION

10% off rate of the day at Novotel & ibis Tainui Hamilton. Book here.

EVENT TIMINGS

Doors Open: 5.00pm

Guest arrival, networking, canapes and drinks: 5.00pm – 5.45pm

Formalities begin: 5.45pm

Awards presentations begin: 6.15pm

  • Waikato Business Hall of Fame


Entree service: Approx. 6.45pm

  • Marketing Award

  • People & Culture Award

  • For Purpose Award

  • Community Contribution Award

Dinner service: Approx. 8.55pm

  • Innovation Award

  • Service Excellence Award

  • International Trade Award

  • Sustainability Award

Dessert: Approx. 9.45pm

  • Small Business of the Year Awasrd

  • Emerging Leader of the Year Award

  • CEO of the Year Award

  • People's Choice Award

  • Supreme Award

Formalities conclude: Approx. 10.45pm

Bar closes: 11.45pm

Venue closes:  Midnight

PARKING

Onsite parking is available via Gate 1, off Heaphy Terrace. Spaces are limited, so please allow extra time when arriving.
Additional on-street parking will also be available, with clear signage to assist on the night.

You are welcome to leave your car overnight in the Gate 1 carpark, however please note that security will not be present
overnight, and vehicles are left at the owner’s risk.

Parking is also available through Gate 4, off Brooklyn Road, though overnight parking is not permitted in this area.

View parking map here.

SEATING INFORMATION

Guests will be seated at allocated tables. Table allocations will be sent to the representative who purchased the event tickets. It is advised you make yourself aware of your table number before arriving at the event.

 A seating plan will be displayed on arrival and Waikato Chamber staff will be available to assist.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

A guest information form will be sent to the representative who purchased the event tickets. Please contact them ASAP if you have a dietary requirement and they will let us know.

For all other event queries please contact:

Rebecca Aston
Events and Marketing Manager 
027 423 4277
rebecca.aston@waikatochamber.co.nz

 

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