Celebrating excellence in our community
Kia tupu ki te hua o te rengarenga, kia pakari ki te hua o te kawariki.
Every year, we shine a spotlight on the businesses and individuals who make our city centre extraordinary. The Love the Centre Business Awards recognise innovation, resilience, and outstanding contributions to our vibrant community.
Love the Centre Business Awards
The Love the Centre Business Awards are more than just a competition – they’re a celebration of the passion, creativity, and hard work that drives Hamilton Central forward.
Celebrating our local business community
These awards showcase the diverse talents and achievements of our local business community, from long-standing institutions to exciting newcomers.
Key Dates
Nominations close 30 August
Judging dates 1 – 30 September
Awards evening 21 October
Awards venue will be announced soon!
Who can enter?
Award categories
Our awards recognise businesses across diverse categories, from retail and dining to professional services and community initiatives. There's a category to celebrate all contributions to our city centre.
Nominate a business to go in the draw to win a $250 Love the Centre Prezzy Card.
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Shopping
Retail businesses, from boutiques to specialty stores, that make the central city a destination.
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Public Good
Organisations or initiatives creating positive social, cultural or environmental impact for the central city and its community.
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Professional Service
Service-based businesses such as legal, financial, medical, technical, consultancy and the like dominating the central city.
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New Business
Businesses that opened in the central city from 1 January 2025 and have already made their mark.
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Health and Beauty
Salons, spas, clinics, gyms and wellness providers helping people in the central city look and feel their best.
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Established Business
Long-standing central city businesses with a proven track record of excellence over 10+ years.
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Eat & Drink – Daytime
Cafés, eateries, bakeries and daytime venues fuelling the central city throughout the day.
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Eat & Drink – Bars & Restaurants
Restaurants, bars and evening dining venues that bring people into the central city after hours.
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Customer Service
Any central city business whose team consistently goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional customer service.
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Activity
Entertainment and experience based businesses that provide a drawcard for the central city
Recognising excellence in our community
Our winners showcase Hamilton Central’s excellence, with outstanding business achievements and commitment.
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