Havelock North salutes its premier businesses at awards ceremony

Roger Millward and his BP2GO Millward Motors teamwon the Favourite Village Tradie Award last night. Photo/ Simon Cartwright

Havelock North's premier businesses were celebrated last night at the Havelock North Business Association Awards held at Black Barn Vineyards.

In their second year, the awards had grown in size with up to 400 businesses included in the 2017 competition.

Catherine Wedd, one of the organisers and executive committee members, said the association had really built on the platform it launched last year.

"We see it as an opportunity to build a strong business community in Havelock North and recognise the positive, success of our businesses.

"There are a wide range of businesses in the village so this is also an opportunity to recognise the success in the relevant fields from our local tradies to our hospitality establishments."

One of these local tradies, who won the Favourite Village Tradie Award, was BP2GO Millward Motors, a locally owned and operated service station, automotive workshop and now also cafe.

The business was established 35 years ago and owner Roger Millward said he was "completely speechless".

"It is so exciting getting this award and we are so pleased to be recognised after years of working in the village."

Mr Millward put the success down to his loyal staff and the general public of Havelock North.

This year the association also introduced a Longevity Award for a business which had been around for a long time and the Village Butcher was presented with this last night.

The Village Butcher is celebrating 90 years in business this year and owner Paul Greaney said he would not choose anywhere else to run a butchery.

"The good old-fashioned support from the locals is amazing and I think you build some really special relationships with people. It is such an enjoyable experience and I love what I do."

Mr Greaney bought the butchery in 2012 when it looked like it could be on the way out and has injected his passion to make sure it continues to be a strong part of the community.

"I want to thank my mentor and butchery owner from the 90s, David Toop, my parents and my own team, as I couldn't do it without them."

The winners of the 10 categories were chosen by the public through an online survey, where they were asked to vote for their favourite village business.