Caterer carves herself a winning slice

An Auckland woman who has carved a career out of catering has won the top prize at this year's Maori businesswomen awards.

Wendy Bennett, who has been in the food industry 26 years and owns Food Queens Catering, won the overall excellence in business award, beating 15 other finalists from around the country.

Dame Georgina Kirby, the founder and director of Maori Women's Development, said Food Queens, which was formed in 1999, offered a sophisticated and inventive indigenous menu that helped raise the awareness of Maori foods and herbs.

"If hangi-flavoured chicken with watercress on a kumara pancake doesn't take your fancy, you could always try their wok-fired pipi and cockles with Tohu chardonnay and garlic," she said.

This year Food Queens won a contract with Fonterra. It has also worked on the sets for Once Were Warriors and TV's Street Legal.

The awards have been held every two years since 1995 to recognise and celebrate the achievements of Maori women in business.

But because of their success, the awards will become an annual affair, and will be opened to men.

The entries are judged on sales and profit results for the previous 12 months, management processes, the number of jobs created, marketing strategies and the contribution to the Maori community and economy.

Award winners:

Overall excellence in business: Wendy Bennett, Food Queens, Auckland. Highly commended: Tania Simpson, Kowhai Consulting, Te Kuiti; Caroline Smith, Mete Construction, South Auckland.

Best small business: Tania Simpson, Kowhai Consulting, Te Kuiti. Highly commended: Mara Andrews and Marama Katene, Kahui Tautoko, Wellington.

Best business in employment creation: Caroline Smith, Mete Construction, South Auckland. Highly commended: Mhari Baty, Titi Harvester, Invercargill.

Best self-employment business: Tangimoe Clay, Tangata Whenua Gallery, Opotiki. Highly commended: Biddy Marychurch, Ruawai Traders, Ruawai.