2007 Award Winners
Business Excellance Award
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Kayak & Outdoor Ltd
Kayak & Outdoor Ltd’s love for the outdoors and Central Otago created the perfect mix for setting up a cycle hire business associated with the Otago Central Rail Trail. Their timing couldn’t have been better with more of the wanderlusters keen to discover Central Otago’s stunning landscapes and getting off the beaten track.
As a side business of this cycle hire firm is the very popular autumn Goldrush Multi-sport event catering for approximately 500 competitors each year, run since 1997. It’s so popular that registrations for this event are filled within hours of opening.
Its success has seen the firm move from modest beginnings to now employing five full time staff and up to four seasonal staff.
By establishing and strengthening its new home base, Kayak & Outdoor Ltd has successfully scaled up its core business and developed a competitive advantage to deliver superior customer value and experience.
The judges felt Kayak & Outdoor’s drive to strengthen its position in the marketplace and its sustained business success clearly demonstrates it is setting the standard for the rest of the industry of creating an added value experience. |
Tourism Award
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Kayak & Outdoor Ltd T/A Trail Journeys
To experience Central Otago is to experience an uncompromising quality.
Kayak & Outdoor Ltd T/A Trail Journeys are about providing that experience. Built up around the very popular Otago Central Rail Trail, Kayak & Outdoor Ltd T/A Trail Journeys offers mountain bike hire, complete guided packages, personal itineraries and transport associated with the trail. With a modern fleet of 100+ cycles, comfortable late model vans and two shuttle trailers at its disposal ensures its customers have a high quality recreational experience in Central Otago.
The judges recognised Kayak & Outdoor Ltd as a leader in the delivery of superior customer experience in this valuable niche industry. It is businesses like Kayak & Outdoor Ltd that deliver consistent service to meet customer needs which have created an added value tourism product.
“It is tremendous to see the strategic approach being taken by businesses in the area and to experience the enthusiasm and effort they put into promoting not only their own operations but this wonderful district,” said Tourism Consultant and member of the judging panel, Tara Druce. |
Community Service Award
Gillian Grant
Gillian Grant has been involved with the Alexandra District Historical Association for over 20 years. She has always had a strong interest in the rich history and heritage that Central Otago has to offer. This passion for looking after this historic wealth became the motivating force for her vision to establish Central Stories – Alexandra Museum and Art Gallery.
Gillian has been inspirational; her determination to succeed from start to finish and beyond has led others to assist in seeing Central Stories become a reality. She has worked tirelessly since 1994, when the idea of a new museum project was first raised. Now stands a magnificent building on Pioneer Park displaying Central Otago’s past, present and future.
The judges recognised Gillian’s generosity of her time, her community-focused vision for heritage protection and hard work ethic when awarding her the Community Service Award.
Mayor Malcolm Macpherson and members of the judging panel see this award being an opportunity to say thank you to our citizens, and publicly acknowledge the valuable contribution they make to our community.
“I would like to congratulate all the finalists and winner of the Community Service Award. This district is very proud of its outstanding citizens, and would like to thank all of those who nominated someone for this Award.” |
Apprentice Award for Overall Excellence
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Richard Keith
A dedicated quiet achiever - these are the standout qualities of motor technician Richard Keith who is studying with Motor Industry Training Organisation. Richard is a highly motivated motor technician.
Prior to joining Currie Motors, Richard had already completed a course which set him up with credits immediately. This proved his commitment to achieving the credits necessary to complete his apprenticeship and gain his qualification.
He is currently completing the first step of Toyota Training and is fast on his way to becoming a Pro Technician. Richard’s training experience has enabled him to perform a variety of repair and servicing work while maintaining a consistently high charge out rate of time. As a dedicated individual who readily shares knowledge with his work colleagues, Richard is committed to becoming an excellent technician with a recognised qualification.
The judging panel were impressed by how totally focused Richard was on his chosen profession. Not only was he prepared to go the ‘extra mile’ in delivering a quality service, the panel were impressed with his team approach and his achievements to date. As a dedicated individual who readily shares knowledge with others, Richard is committed to becoming an excellent technician with a recognised qualification. |
Apprentice Award for Most Developing Potential over the Year
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Jeremy Garden
A chance to become a fully fledged motor mechanic is what Jeremy aspires to. Jeremy joined Davidson Honda in 2005. After working for 10 months it was mutually agreed that he do an apprenticeship as motorcycle mechanic.
He showed a keenness to study at Otago Polytechnic Cromwell Campus and learn from the very outset. According to his employers, they were so impressed with his accuracy and competence they were more than comfortable he get involved in the preparation work of their “Race Team” bikes.
Aged 18, Jeremy shows a maturity beyond his years, relating well with his peers, and impressing with his friendliness, manners and integrity. His sense of humour, plus the pride in and standard of his work has ensured him the award for the Most Developing Potential.
The judging panel could see that Jeremy is a very genuine, hard working young man with a great sense of direction. His skill development shines through in his work ethics and his standards.
John Christie, Chief Executive of Otago Chamber of Commerce and judging panelist said these Apprentice Awards highlight the importance of the vocational education and training sector in building Central Otago’s skills base.
“It is becomingly increasingly important for workers to update their skills or acquire new skills, especially with the recent rapid changes in technology and work practices.”
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