The David Awards 2025 Finalists Announced

We’re thrilled to announce the finalists for The David Awards 2025, shining a spotlight on some of New Zealand’s most determined and dynamic small businesses.

Now in our 17th year, The David Awards continue to recognise the “Davids” of the business world – Kiwi entrepreneurs who, like their biblical namesake, punch above their weight to overcome challenges with courage, ingenuity, and heart. Open to businesses with up to 10 full-time employees, the awards celebrate the extraordinary contribution small businessowners make to their communities, industries, and the wider economy.

This year’s finalists reflect the incredible breadth of New Zealand’s small business sector, spanning industries from health and beauty to social enterprise, innovation, and design.

Judge, small business owner and serial connector Pam Martin says the judging panel was struck by the resilience and creativity on display in this year’s entries.

“The judges were impressed to see so many inspiring entries in such a challenging economic environment. The passion felt by entrants for their businesses shone through in many of the entries,” she says.

We’re grateful to have Voyager as our principal sponsor for the fourth year running. Angela Hunter, Chief Revenue Officer at Voyager, says that with more entries in 2025, Kiwi small businesses continue to inspire.

“I know many of these business owners are wearing multiple hats, making every dollar stretch, and doing it all while staying deeply focused on their customers. For that level of dedication, every single entrant deserves recognition. Congratulations to all the 2025 finalists — making it this far in such a competitive year is an achievement to be proud of,” she says.

THE MOST OUTSTANDING FLEDGLING BUSINESS

• Bloom Boutique Beauty
• Haloguard Limited
• ISpy Nits
• Milo's Cat Hotel

THE MOST OUTSTANDING ESTABLISHED BUSINESS

• Dignity New Zealand
• Spacebar Design
• Speculo
• The Cozy Corner

THE MOST INNOVATIVE BUSINESS

• Faster Masters Rowing
• Haloguard Limited
• ISpy Nits
• Spacebar Design
• Speculo

THE MOST INSPIRED USE OF MARKETING

• Bear & Moo
• Telescopicgoal
• The Social Collective

THE MOST OUTSTANDING SOCIAL IMPACT

• Haloguard Limited
• ISpy Nits
• My Wonderland
• Spacebar Design
• The Cozy Corner
• Yrless Ltd

SOLO MEO AWARD

• Bloom Boutique Beauty 
• Campbell Carving
• Case in Point Design
• Julia Grace

Voting for the People’s Choice Award – a fantastic way to rally customers and supporters –is still open until Friday, September 26 at 12pm. Cast your vote here.

The winners of The David Awards 2025 – including the Supreme Winner and People’s Choice – will be revealed in a special video presentation on Friday, October 17 at 12pm right here on our home page. The David Awards wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our principal sponsor Voyager, along with our other valued partners: Website World, NZBusiness magazine, Brolly Sheets, Martian Bunker, Pure SEO, and NZBizBuySell. We can’t wait to celebrate these incredible small business heroes with you.