"I'd like to congratulate the winners on their achievement, having emerged from a stronger field than ever to demonstrate excellence and the world class standards that local events are achieving."
Ms Scotland thanked the distinguished panel of independent judges for taking on a challenging task. "We drew a similar amount of entries as 2016, however felt that the standards were raised once again, making the shortlisting even harder this year. The judges have done an exceptional in identifying our winners from many impressive entries."
The winners had to win the approval after close scrutiny by the judging panel, which comprised: Stephen Wainwright, CEO of Creative New Zealand, James McGlinn, EventFinda CEO, Hetty van Hale, Communications Manager at Infinity Investment Group, Callum Mallett, GM GM Operations at the New Zealand International Convention Centre, Mandy Deans, Event Manager at Warbirds over Wanaka International Airshow, Michael Boggs, NZME CEO, Norm Thompson, ATEED Deputy Chair, Karl Budge, Tournament and Commercial Director at Tennis Auckland, and Mike Keech, Sponsorship and Licensing Manager at WelTec and Whitireia New Zealand.
The winners are:
Best Community Event of the Year 2017
Waitangi Tuwharetoa Ki Pukawa Festival 2017
Best Regional Event of the Year 2017
Pop-up Globe Auckland
Best National Event of the Year 2017 sponsored by New Zealand Major Events
WOMAD New Zealand 2017
Best International Event of the Year 2017 sponsored by New Zealand Major Events
2017 World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships
Best Business Event of the Year 2017 sponsored by Celebrity Speakers
Pinot Noir New Zealand 2017
Best Industry Supplier for an Event 2017 sponsored by Marsh Insurance
ILT Stadium Southland for the 2017 World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships
Best CSR or Community Event Sponsorship of the Year 2017
Flight Centre Foundation Halberg Watersports Programme
Best Arts or Cultural Event Sponsorship of the Year 2017 sponsored by Creative New Zealand
ASB for Auckland Lantern Festival
Best Sports Event Sponsorship of the Year 2017
Barfoot & Thompson for World Masters Games 2017
Emerging Event Professional of the Year 2017 sponsored by Eventfinda
Tim Day (NZ Trail Runs)
Event Sponsorship Professional of the Year 2017
Mike Wootton (ASB)
Event Professional of the Year 2017 sponsored by H3
Jennah Wootten
New Zealand's Favourite Event of the Year 2017 public vote hosted by Eventfinda
Repco Beach Hop 2017