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















