It’s less than a month now until the ANZ Business of the Year Awards gala dinner on 20 February.

Organisers say that ticket sales for the R18, black-tie event are already ahead of previous years, and they are expecting more than 300 guests.

Ashburton District Mayor Liz McMillan says that all business owners are invited to go along, not just finalists.

“It’s a great opportunity to celebrate, get inspired and do some networking with fellow business owners.

“Since these awards began in 2021, lots of local organisations have done well out of being recognised, and the contacts they have made.

“We’re proud to be backing our local companies, whether they’re big or small, new or experienced, and this event recognises the whole range.”

The awards gala dinner will be held at the Ashburton Aviation Museum’s superhangar beginning at 6pm on 20 February. The aviation museum was a tourism award winner in 2022.

After receiving a glass of bubbles on arrival at the 2026 gala, guests can expect a special three-course dinner prepared by chef Chanaka Jayabahu of ARC Culinary Cruise, entertainment and a cashless bar.

The awards attracted 116 entrants which were shortlisted by judges to 50 finalists across 15 categories.

The judges were former mayor Neil Brown, Jason McCrae from Business Canterbury, Chantelle Quinn of the Braided Rivers Community Trust, and Willie Murney of Murney Trust.

They said there was a consistency across all applications and entrants showed passion for what they do, who they serve, and the wider Mid Canterbury community.

The judges also said the entrants impressed them with in-depth business knowledge and insights.

Category winners are eligible for the supreme business excellence award, which will be decided by Mayor Liz McMillan.

Event partners for 2026 are ANZ, ANZCO Foods, Abbott Insurance Brokers, Canstaff, Catalyst Performance Agronomy, Crest Clean, Croys, Experience Mid Canterbury, Fox Peak Dairy, Mt Hutt, Naylor Love, New Zealand Bed Company, Spark, Talley's, Tavendale + Partners.

Tickets are available from businessoftheyear.nz

Council is partnering with Ri Ra Events to host the awards.