Tauranga Aerospace Company Named Business Of The Year

Tauranga-based robotics and aerospace innovator, SYOS Aerospace, has been named Business of the Year at the Tauranga Business Awards 2026.

The aerospace company, which designs and manufactures high-performance systems for military and government customers worldwide, was recognised for its rapid growth, global relevance and commitment to innovation developed in New Zealand.

SYOS Aerospace claimed the Supreme Award, along with category wins for Innovation and International Trade, at the awards gala hosted by Tauranga Business Chamber last night.

The awards celebrate excellence in the Bay of Plenty business community.

Head Judge, Jamie Lunam, says SYOS Aerospace stood out for its agility, ambition and ability to deliver complex projects at pace.

“The judges were impressed by SYOS Aerospace’s rapid development and deployment capability, backed by their big manufacturing investment into the region,” he says.

“They are operating on a global stage, securing international military and government contracts, while keeping their research and development and local manufacturing firmly based in New Zealand.”

Jamie says the company’s decision to remain headquartered in Tauranga while competing internationally was a key differentiator.

“SYOS Aerospace is attracting world-class talent into the region and proving that globally relevant technology can be built right here.

“Their visionary approach positions them as a trailblazer and a role model for the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

Chamber CEO, Matt Cowley, says the awards gala highlighted the strength and resilience of the Bay of Plenty business community.

“The standard of finalists this year was exceptionally high, and the range of success stories shared on the stage last night were genuinely inspiring,“ he says.

“We heard from businesses boot-strapping their start-ups, as well as those investing in innovation, backing their people, and adapting to challenging conditions.”

Matt also acknowledges the Runner Up Business of the Year, JNP Aviation, a key service provider to airports across New Zealand, who also won the Maori/Pasifika business category.

“These winners show us what’s possible when businesses think globally while staying deeply connected to their community.

“My takeaway from these awards is that Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty are continuing to produce businesses that are bold, outward-looking and committed to long-term success.”

Matt congratulates all of this year’s category winners and finalists.

“The depth of talent across the field was impressive, and every business recognised last night should be proud of the role they play in strengthening our regional economy.”

The Tauranga Business Awards 2026 are proudly supported by Deloitte and Farmer Autovillage.

Tauranga Business Award winners and finalists 2026

Business of the Year – sponsored by Deloitte and Farmer Autovillage
Winner: SYOS Aerospace
Runner-up: JNP Aviation Limited

People’s Choice Award (voted by public vote) – sponsored by Newstalk ZB
Winner: Bay Paediatrics 
Runner-up: House of Travel Papamoa Group
Finalists: Barber Spence & Co, Eco Shine Solar, Future Focus Early Learning, Nomu Matcha, Quest Mount Maunganui, Rose’s Dining Table, Tiny Pools.

Emerging Business – sponsored by Toi Ohomai
Winner: Archishade
Highly Commended: Nomu Matcha
Finalists: Bay Paediatrics, Tiny Pools Limited, Quest Mt Maunganui, Barber Spence & Co, Eco Shine Solar

Excellent Women in Leadership – sponsored by Cooney Lees Morgan
Winner: Jacinta Horan – Bureta Physiotherapy 
Highly Commended: Omen Willows – Mackersy Property
Finalists: Alana Collinson (Financial Independence), Kat Dippie (Fife Lane), Kimberly Brown (She is Unleshed), Saima Hussain Anis (Amara Coaching and Consulting), Tanya Aitken (House of Travel Papamoa Group)

Excellence in Industry Achievement – sponsored by Mercury Baypark
Winner: Collab Digital
Highly Commended: House of Travel Papamoa
Finalists: Future Focus, Off the Wall Construction, Facilitate Group Ltd, Harkin Roofing, Hatch Consulting Ltd

Excellence in Manufacturing – sponsored by Tauranga Business Chamber 
Winner: Modcom
Finalist: Freedom Cabins NZ

Excellence in Maori/Pasifika Business – co-sponsored by Pacific Growth Services and Sequal Lumber Ltd.
Winner: JNP Aviation Limited
Finalists: Quest Mt Maunganui, Off the Wall Construction

Excellence in Marketing Impact – sponsored by KingSt Advertising
Winner: Nomu Matcha
Highly Commended: Archishade
Finalists: Future Focus, Tiny Pools Limited, Digital Pie & Bovonic

Excellence in Innovation – sponsored by 2Degrees
Winner: SYOS Aerospace
Finalists: Auro, Page & Macgre

Excellence in International Trade – sponsored by Zespri
Winner: SYOS Aerospace
Finalist: Terraway Attachments

Excellence in Supply & Logistics – sponsored by University of Waikato
Winner: Container Co
Highly Commended: Genera Biosecurity

Special Judges Impact Award – sponsored by Farmer Autovillage and New World Mt Maunganui
Winner: Barber Spence & Co

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