2025 Electra Business & Innovation Award Winners!
Electra Business of the Year 2025
Winner: The Bond Store
Sponsor: Electra
Judges Comments:
The Bond Store is a shining example of bold vision, exceptional leadership, and authentic Kāpiti spirit. From pioneering sustainable distilling with a closed-loop cooling system and bottle swap initiative, to achieving export approval for their Kawakawa Gin and six-fold tasting room growth, they’ve shown how purpose, performance, and passion can coexist beautifully. Their blend of innovation, integrity, and community connection has made them a flagship for regional excellence. Congratulations to the winner of the Electra Business of the Year Award 2025 - The Bond Store, raising the bar for what’s possible in business.
Construction and Trades Award
Winner: Elite Diagnostics Ltd
Sponsor: Kapinua
Judges Comments:
Elite Diagnostics is redefining automotive excellence - combining precision, integrity, and innovation to solve problems others avoid. Now the largest independent diagnostic workshop in Kāpiti, they’re known for authentic storytelling, cutting-edge technology, and a relentless focus on doing things properly. Congratulations to Elite Diagnostics - excellence in motion!
Manufacturing, Production and Processing
Winner: The Bond Store
Sponsor: The Horowhenua Company
Judges Comments:
The Bond Store is raising the bar for Kiwi craft distilling -blendingbold strategy, sustainability, and Kāpiti creativity. From carbon-neutral targets to U.S. exports and unforgettable “Saturday Sounds,” they’ve built a business that’s as inspiring as it is flavourful. Congratulations to The Bond Store - distilling excellence, one bottle at a time.
Hospitality, Entertainment and Tourism
Winner: Kapiti Island Nature Tours
Sponsor: Air Chathams
Judges Comments:
Kapiti Island Nature Tours blends Māori heritage, conservation, and innovation to create unforgettable, authentic experiences. From global storytelling partnerships to deep local roots, they’re showing how tourism can protect and celebrate what matters most. Congratulations to Kapiti Island Nature Tours - guardians of the land, storytellers of the future.
Professional and Business Services, or Technology
Winner: Pipi Learning Ltd
Sponsor: Graphic Press & Packaging
Judges Comments:
Pipi Learning Ltd is redefining online education with innovation and inclusivity at its core. From bespoke digital learning to global expansion, they’re proving that purposeful design and cultural connection can inspire learners everywhere. Congratulations to Pipi Learning Ltd - leading with heart, learning with imp
Not for Profit, Community and Public Services
Winner: Work Ready Kāpiti
Sponsor: L.T. McGuinness
Judges Comments:
Work Ready Kāpiti is empowering rangatahi to step boldly into the workforce through innovative programmes and strong community partnerships. By connecting youth with employers and real-world skills, they’re creating lasting change across the region. Congratulations to Work Ready Kāpiti - shaping confident futures for the next generation.
Retail
Winner: Seriously Pickled Catering Kitchen & Deli
Sponsor: New World Levin
Judges Comments:
Seriously Pickled Catering Kitchen & Deli has turned bold ideas into beautiful results - doubling their space, supporting local producers, and serving up food made with heart and humour. Congratulations to Seriously Pickled Catering Kitchen & Deli - local flavour, done seriously we
Consumer Services
Winner: Nation Beauty NZ
Sponsor: Zebunisso Alimova - Mike Pero Mortgages
Judges Comments:
Nation Beauty NZ is redefining beauty through innovation, education, and sustainability. With 90% waste reduction, a dedicated team, and an “education-first” approach that empowers every client, they’ve become one of Levin’s most trusted salons. Congratulations to Nation Beauty NZ - beautiful results, inside and out!
Small Business Award
Winner: Elite Diagnostics Ltd
Sponsor: NZME
Judges Comments:
Elite Diagnostics is redefining what it means to be a modern automotive business - built on precision, integrity, and innovation. In just a short time, they’ve become Kāpiti’s leading independent diagnostic workshop, solving complex problems others walk away from. Their “30 Days of Elite” campaign showcased real people, real expertise, and a brand built on trust, performance, and purpose. Congratulations to thewinner of the Small Business Award - Elite Diagnostics, driving excellence at every turn.
New/Emerging Award
Winner: Rose's Chilli Crisp
Sponsor: Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce
Judges Comments:
Rose’s Chilli Crisp has spiced up the market with bold flavour, authenticity, and a smart business strategy that’s impossible to ignore. In just one year, Rose and Mike have built a passionate following, turned a shared kitchen into a thriving enterprise, and become Moore Wilson’s top seller in their category. Their authentic storytelling, sustainability focus, and sizzling success show exactly what happens when passion meets purpose. Congratulations to the winner of the New & Emerging Business Award - Rose’s Chilli Crisp, bringing the heat to New Zealand’s food scene.
Innovation Award
Winner: Elite Diagnostics Ltd
Sponsor: Tatum Park
Judges Comments:
Elite Diagnostics is redefining innovation in the automotive industry - transforming how complex diagnostics and tuning are delivered through cutting-edge technology and smart collaboration. Their remote tuning network turns competitors into partners, scaling their expertise nationwide, while the “30 Days of Elite” campaign showcased real people, real skill, and authentic innovation. Congratulations to the winner of the Innovation Award - Elite Diagnostics, driving the future of automotive excellence with precision, purpose, and creativity.
Sustainability Award
Winner: Ohau Gourmet Mushrooms
Sponsor: ANZ Bank New Zealand
Judges Comments:
Ōhau Gourmet Mushrooms is proving that food production and environmental care can grow hand in hand. Their closed-loop regenerative system turns waste into resources, achieves near-zero landfill, and showcases how permaculture principles can thrive in business. With solar energy, water efficiency, and a new bio-digester pushing the boundaries of sustainable farming, they’re inspiring others to rethink what’s possible. Congratulations tothe winner of the Sustainability Award - Ōhau Gourmet Mushrooms, cultivating a greener future one mushroom at a tim
Highly Commended - Heart of the Community Award
Winner: Levin Repair Café
Customer Experience -Horowhenua
Customer Experience - Kāpiti
Winner: Relish Café and Catering
Sponsor: Mills Albert Limited
