Max Key to DJ at Rotorua business awards

Prime Minister John Key's son, Max Key will DJ at the Rotorua Business Awards.

A Kiwi songstress and the son of the Prime Minister are set to entertain at the big night out for Rotorua businesses.

Anika Moa, one of New Zealand's best loved singers, and DJ Max Key have been named to perform as part of the Harcourts-sponsored lineup of entertainment at the Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards on October 15.

The MC is Howard Dobson and other entertainment will be provided by the Claire Michelson Duo.

Rotorua Chamber of Commerce chief executive Darrin Walsh said he was happy with the entertainment lineup.

"Rotorua Chamber of Commerce probably has a different philosophy on the business awards than some of our neighbouring chambers.

"In some regions it is all about the business awards and less about the entertainment. I take the view it's also about a night out. It is about the awards but people are also coming to be entertained and have a good night out."

Mr Walsh said Moa was a big drawcard as she was a known New Zealand identity.

"You don't get a 'who is she?' response. Most people know who she is."

Singer-songwriter Anika Moa. PHOTO/FILE

Mr Walsh said Key would bring "something different" to the lineup.

"He has been making a bit of a name for himself in the music scene. At the end of the night we will have him on the vinyls."

Mr Walsh said they were now "head first" into the organisation of the awards.

He said judging was under way and he expected to be able to announce the finalists in the next couple of weeks.

This year there are three new awards categories - including the Health and Wellbeing category sponsored by Healthy Families, the Bay of Connections Excellence in Sustainable Practices and the Ministry of Education Young Entrepreneur of the Year category.

Mr Walsh said he was impressed with the standard of the entries.

"There are some good iconic Rotorua businesses in there, some quite well known businesses.

"I'm very happy with the number of entrants and calibre of entrants."

He said the new Health and Wellbeing category had attracted quite a lot of interest with "some fairly big businesses" putting their names forward.