The award is open to any business that contributes to the Manawatū region. Contribution may be measured in terms or employment, community investment and support, charitable inputs etc. This can be a project or how your business operates or other initiatives that provide support to the community. 

This award celebrates and recognises a business or individual from the Manawatū region whose longevity and contribution to the local economy has been significant. During their lifetime, the recipient will have been instrumental in adding to the vibrancy of the business community resulting in expanding business, innovation and employment opportunities that have benefitted the region.

This award recognises outstanding businesses in the agricultural and food sectors, including rural/farming contractors, food producers and manufacturers, growers, and sellers that demonstrate excellence through innovation, sustainability, quality, and economic impact. Entrants should showcase leadership in addressing industry challenges, implementing best practices, and contributing positively to their local communities.

This award recognises exceptional businesses in the construction, engineering, manufacturing, and trades sectors, including automotive, hairdressers/beauty, chefs and other skilled trade professionals. Entrants should demonstrate excellence through innovative practices, quality workmanship, safety standards, and significant contributions to infrastructure development or product manufacturing, while also showing commitment to sustainability and workforce development. 

This award recognises outstanding businesses primarily engaged in distribution or logistics, including freight forwarders, warehousing operators, transportation companies, and supply chain management firms. Entrants should demonstrate excellence through efficient operations, innovative technologies, reliable service delivery, and adaptability to market challenges, while also showcasing commitment to sustainability, customer satisfaction, and positive economic impact on their region.

This award celebrates exceptional organisations whose primary focus is on education, research, science, or technology, including educational institutions, research centres, scientific laboratories, and tech companies. Entrants should demonstrate excellence through innovative approaches, significant contributions to their field, impactful research or technological advancements, and a commitment to fostering knowledge and skills development, while also showing dedication to ethical practices, collaboration, and positive impact.

This award recognises outstanding businesses engaged in accommodation, food and beverage, tourism, and retail sectors, including hotels, restaurants, cafes, tour operators, attractions, and retail stores. Entrants should demonstrate excellence through exceptional customer service, innovative experiences or products, adaptability to market trends.

This award recognises outstanding businesses primarily engaged in providing professional services or consulting to other businesses or consumers, including law firms, accounting practices, management consultants, marketing agencies, and financial advisors. Entrants should demonstrate excellence through innovative solutions, exceptional client service, industry expertise, and ethical practices, while also showcasing adaptability to market changes and positive impact on their clients' success and the broader business community.

Recognises excellence in large organisations which have demonstrated outstanding overall growth, performance, and industry leadership through innovative strategies and effective management. 

Entry requirements: minimum of 26 full-time equivalent employees OR annual turnover exceeding $5 million (excluding GST). 

Recognises excellence in organisations which have achieved significant overall growth or performance through effective planning and delivery. 

Entry requirements: between 5 – 25 full-time equivalent employees OR annual turnover between $1 million and up to $5 million (excluding GST).

Recognises exceptional enterprises and businesses that have demonstrated all-around excellence through innovation, outstanding service, and dedication. 

Entry requirements: up to 5 full-time equivalent staff OR annual turnover up to $1 million (excluding GST).

The Yorb Supreme Award recognises the best overall business from Categories A and B winners, acknowledging exceptional contributions to the Manawatū economy and displaying overall business excellence.

This award celebrates businesses that demonstrate exceptional creativity and effectiveness in branding, marketing, and design. Entrants should showcase innovative campaigns, impactful brand strategies, and outstanding visual communications that have delivered measurable results for their clients or their own organisation. Judges will look for originality, strategic thinking, and the ability to connect with target audiences across various media platforms, while also considering the overall impact on business growth and market positioning.

This award recognises businesses that prioritise investing in their workforce. It's open to companies that understand their success is built on their people. This award seeks to highlight organisations with strong employee development programs, positive workplace cultures, and initiatives that demonstrate how they value their staff.

This award recognises entrepreneurial and new businesses that have been operating for more than 12 months but less than three years, as at the July 1, 2024. It's specifically designed for entrepreneurial ventures and start-ups, highlighting their early-stage achievements. 

Entrants in this category are not eligible to enter Category A Awards  

This award recognises businesses that show a continuous commitment to environmental stewardship, particularly focusing on zero waste initiatives and overall sustainability in New Zealand. This award aims to highlight companies that are taking concrete actions to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future for the country.

This award recognises businesses that actively embrace and promote diversity within their operations and management. It aims to highlight companies that are taking steps to create more inclusive work environments, likely through policies, practices, and initiatives that value and integrate diverse perspectives and experiences. This award emphasises the importance of inclusivity as a key component of business excellence.

This award celebrates exceptional businesses with 50% or more Māori ownership, recognising their commitment to excellence across all sectors while honouring tikanga Māori. Entrants should demonstrate outstanding business practices that blend commercial success with cultural values. 

The Not-for-Profit Award is open to organisations such as associations, foundations, charities, and trusts that demonstrate tangible societal benefits. It recognises non-profit entities that are making concrete, measurable impacts in helping society. The award seeks to highlight organisations that go beyond good intentions to achieve practical, positive outcomes in their communities or chosen areas of focus.