Latest news with #SupremeAward
Scoop
10-08-2025
- General
- Scoop
UC Students Receive Top Honours At International Student Awards
Two students from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) have been recognised at the annual Waitaha Canterbury International Student Awards, which recognise the outstanding contributions international students make to the social, cultural and economic life of our region. Kien Ngo took top honours at this year's awards ceremony, receiving both the Supreme Award: Mayor's International Student of the Year and the Cultural Ambassador Award – University Sector, celebrating his outstanding cultural leadership. Kien says, "Receiving these awards has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life because it reflects the journey of learning, growth and connection I've been fortunate to have here in New Zealand. I'm deeply grateful for the support that's helped shape my academic and personal development, and I remain driven by a genuine passion to explore languages, understand cultures and build bridges between people—not for accolades, but for the joy and purpose it brings." Currently studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce, Kien was one of seven award recipients recognised at yesterday's awards hosted at Ngā Hau E Whā National Marae. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading The Supreme Award recognises an exceptional international student who demonstrates outstanding achievements, leadership qualities and a significant impact on both the city and the region. Kien's nomination specifically acknowledged his leadership, cultural contributions and service to the community—contributions that have helped enrich the region socially, culturally and economically. Originally from Vietnam, Kien is fluent in English, Chinese and Japanese. His nomination spoke to his global citizenship, his academic excellence and dedication to fostering intercultural understanding. 'Kien is an exceptional individual whose leadership and collaborative spirit shine through in everything he does. As a natural connector, he brings people together while embracing diverse experiences with purpose and energy. By actively promoting Christchurch as an educational destination, Kien continues to exemplify what it means to lead with impact and inclusivity." says Micky Lu, the UC Internationalisation Officer (Student Experience) who nominated Kien for this year's awards. Since beginning his journey in Aotearoa at Shirley Boys' High in 2020, Kien has grown into a highly respected leader and intercultural ambassador. At Canterbury University he has been involved in mentoring through the Tūhono programme, participated in the Global Impact Industry Project, and excelled at international experiences such as the 2024 China Study Tour. Recently Kein was selected as a delegate for a prestigious UK Youth Fellowship. With 14 nominations across both school and university sectors, Kien's impact spans communities and categories. Leader and Mentor Award – University Sector Winner: Ruowei (Winnie) Chen: A mentor, advocate and changemaker, Winnie has been recognised for making a lasting impact by creating inclusive spaces for postgraduate and international students at UC through empathy, leadership and commitment to building an inclusive and empowering environment. 'Winnie is an exceptional role model whose leadership and mentorship continue to inspire and transform the student experience at UC. Despite the demands of PhD study, Winnie consistently goes above and beyond to support her peers. Her deep empathy, advocacy and commitment have made a profound and lasting impact on the postgraduate and international student communities, fostering a strong sense of belonging and empowerment for all she engages with.' says Kathryn MacCallum, the Head of School for the School of Leadership and Professional Practice who nominated Winnie for this award. As Chair of the student-led SPACE committee and a representative on key faculty and university boards, Winnie has played a vital role in amplifying student voices and strengthening student-staff relationships. Her work has significantly enhanced the visibility of postgraduate research and enriched the academic and professional development of her peers through initiatives such as tailored workshops, mentoring programmes and faculty-wide engagement strategies. Beyond the university, Winnie has made a strong impact as the International Representative on the UCSA and a liaison with national student organisations. She has actively advocated for international students, championing issues like visa support and transition services, while fostering safe and inclusive environments. Her voluntary work, driven by empathy and a strong sense of community, has helped shape a more connected and supportive research culture at UC.
NZ Herald
07-08-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Main Street Cafe Huntly wins award for rhubarb and raspberry pie at NZ Pie Awards 2025
After the award announcement, pie sales skyrocketed and they were sold out two days in a row, Linton-Brown said. While Linton-Brown couldn't remember how many pies she made on the days they sold out, she believed it was hundreds. Linton-Brown, originally from Auckland, fell in love with pastry when she was still in high school. But it wasn't until 2022 that she opened her own cafe. It's a family-run business, with her children heavily involved as well. For the family, the awards win came after 'rough' times and challenges, which meant Linton-Brown had been almost ready to close the cafe's doors. 'We've been broken into, which cost us a lot of money, and recession for our business was tight too. Huntly's Main Street Cafe won Gold for their rhubarb and raspberry pie at the 2025 Bakels NZ Pie Awards. Photo / Malisha Kumar 'It was either dig my heels in further or close my doors,' she said. But closing up shop did not come easy to her. 'I'm no quitter. 'I don't want to give up, and I kept that capacity in me to keep pushing forward.' Having overcome those challenges made the national pie award win taste twice as sweet. 'We dug our heels in, and it was hard. But I'm incredibly grateful I did.' Other Waikato winners were the Baker Tīrau, taking silver for its steak and cheese pie and Hamilton's High Bakery and Cafe, which won silver for its vegetarian pie in 2024, and this year won silver for its bacon and egg pie. The sign outside Huntly's Main Street Cafe. Photo / Malisha Kumar The High Bakery and Cafe posted on social media: 'We did it again'. 'Thanks [to] our loyal customers for believing in us, supporting, and enjoying our pies.' Lunchbar Eighty 8, also of Hamilton, won bronze for its creamy paua pie in the Gourmet Meats category. Auckland's Rosedale Bakery & Cafe won the Supreme Award for its potato top pie. The first Pie Awards were held in 1996 to inspire the baking industry to keep on innovating. The Bakels Supreme Pie Awards have now grown to around 600 entries across 11 categories, which are blind-judged by a panel of industry experts. Malisha Kumar is a multimedia journalist based in Hamilton. She joined the Waikato Herald in 2023 after working for Radio 1XX in Whakatāne.
Otago Daily Times
18-07-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Best in business to be celebrated
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES Good sorts, top-notch small businesses and the best employer have been added to the categories for this year's 2degrees Queenstown Business Awards — entries for which have opened. Organised by the Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce, the awards, held every second year, highlight the innovation, resilience and community spirit that define the Queenstown business landscape. Chamber CEO Sharon Fifieldsays they're also a chance for businesses to reflect, recharge and revel in their achievements. "This year's awards are all about celebrating the incredible journey our local businesses have been on. "We've seen remarkable growth, creativity and grit — and now it's time to shine a light on that." There are 10 categories this year, including three new ones — small business of the year, sponsored by Queenstown Airport, employer of the year (RealNZ) and the 'good sort' award (Hamish Walker, of Walker & Co Realty). The latter category recognises individuals who go above and beyond in business standards, ethics, community involvement and helping others. Good sorts can be nominated by the public — a judging panel will select the finalists, and a winner. Returning categories are: Excellence in sustainability and environmental business practice (Destination Queenstown) Excellence in innovation (Polestar) Excellence in marketing (Shotover Creative) Excellence in community contribution (SkyCity Queenstown) Excellence in professional services & business solutions (Lane Neave Lawyers) Excellence in customer experience (Kingpin Queenstown) Judges will select winners of those categories, and the Supreme Award winner, while the public gets to choose the winner of the Mountain Scene People's Choice Award. Entries are open until September 15 and are available to all businesses and non-profits in the Whakatipu — chamber membership isn't required. Finalists will be announced on October 16, and winners revealed at a gala dinner in Queenstown's CBD on November 8. For more info, or to enter, see
Otago Daily Times
26-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Our community champions
The Clutha Community Hub Charitable Trust and Committee are presented the Supreme Award at the Clutha Community Service Awards at TPŌMA last week by members of the Clutha District Council. PHOTO: SUPPLIED The Clutha District Council announced the winners of the 2025 Clutha Community Service Awards last Wednesday to honour the groups and individuals who go above and beyond to make a positive difference in their community. Presented at Te Pou Ō Mata-Au, Clutha District War Memorial and Community Centre (TPŌMA), the Supreme Award went to Clutha Community Hub Charitable Trust and Committee. "This a great opportunity for our district to acknowledge the passion and pride people put into their community," Mayor Bryan Cadogan said. "Communities are defined by their champions who drive projects and make real differences that we all benefit from." Formed in 2016, the Hub Charitable Trust and Committee were formed with "a goal to develop a place to celebrate local identity and heritage, and bring people together to connect, grow, and thrive". The resulting TPŌMA civic centre is "a facility that pays tribute to the past while boldly embracing the future". Other groups acknowledged for their contribution this year included Clutha Budget Advisory Service, Lawrence Creative Arts, Tapanui Toy Library and Milton Area Promotions. Local individuals recognised for dedication and commitment to their communities included Benji Perry, Jess Paul, Geoff Blackmore and Elizabeth Jenkinson. Year 13 students who demonstrated "great volunteer mahi" were recognised with Youth Spirit award, given this year to Annaliese Bisset and Maddie Grinton. "The awards remind us of the remarkable generosity, dedication, and heart that exists within our communities," council's community support and development adviser Lilly Paterson said. "It was a privilege to celebrate the individuals, students, and groups whose tireless volunteer work often goes unnoticed, yet has such a lasting impact. These are the people who make Clutha a stronger, more connected place to live — and we are proud to acknowledge and thank them," Ms Paterson said. Each community group winner received $1000, and the supreme winner received an additional $2000. Keep reading future editions of the Clutha Leader for a closer look at this year's hard-working winners and details of their impact on the area.
Scoop
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Turners Auto Retail Celebrates Continued Growth
Press Release – Turners Group Turners Auto Retail is proud to announce a 6% increase in retail vehicle sales for FY25—an impressive result in a market that declined by 6.2%. The company also continues to expand its footprint, now with 33 branches nationwide, and its team, now well over 500 strong. Turners continues to grow, invest in its people, and build momentum. The results were celebrated in style at the company's Annual Awards Night, the centrepiece of a three-day national conference that brought together nearly 100 leaders from across the country. Hosted in Auckland, the event recognised excellence across the business, with a total of 28 awards presented to high-performing individuals and teams. The night's top honour, the Supreme Award, was awarded to the Whangārei branch, celebrating their outstanding performance and contribution over the past year. CEO, Greg Hedgepeth, presented the award to the Branch leaders who accepted on behalf of their team. 'Our teams have truly cranked through a tough market this year by leaning into the challenges and working hard to overcome them,' said Hedgepeth. 'These awards are not just about celebrating results, but recognising the energy, resilience and values that power this business every day. I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together.' The Turners conference is a much-anticipated annual highlight, designed to bring people together to share knowledge, align on strategy for the future, and celebrate success. From Branch Managers to Office Managers, the three-day conference included workshops, keynotes, planning sessions—and of course, the awards evening itself. 'With new branches opening in Christchurch and a clear strategy for increased investment in our brand, our digital capability, and our people, the future is bright,' said Hedgepeth. 'We want Turners to be seen as the best place in the industry to grow a career—where people are supported, recognised, and part of something exciting.' 'And I can't overstate how important our people are to our success,' Hedgepeth continued, 'which is why I'm particularly proud that we continue to be in the top 5% of organisations globally for employee engagement.' Turners was also recently awarded a 5-Star Employer of Choice by the Human Resources Director Group for New Zealand, another proof point of their commitment to culture, leadership, and the development of their people.
