Business Award Judges
Our judges are highly professional and sign a confidentiality agreement to ensure that all entry information remains private.
The calibre and independence of our judging panel, combined with their wealth of business knowledge and expertise, maintains the credibility of our Awards. Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce sincerely thanks our panel of judges for making themselves available to judge our business awards.
THE BUSINESS AWARD JUDGES FOR 2025 ARE:
Lester Binns
Lester Binns is an online entrepreneur who enjoys doing business from his hometown Nelson. He is a founder in a range of web ventures including easyfile.co.nz, willtolive.co.nz, and powerdirect.co.nz. In 2008 he founded MyTax.co.nz, which received the Chamber Large and Supreme Business Awards in 2016. He is currently a director of a range of businesses and is passionate about supporting our region.
Ali Boswijk
Ali was appointed as Chief Executive of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce in February 2019. Prior to that she spent over six years with World of WearableArt as Head of International Projects and Business Development. She was a councillor on Nelson City Council and Deputy Mayor from 2010 – 2013. Prior to moving to New Zealand from England, she worked in the commercial television production department for London-based news agency APTN.
Paul Mackay
Paul is a registered financial adviser and insurance broker who led his previous company to win the NPI Chamber of Commerce Large Business Award in 2018. Paul has over 20 years of experience working in insurance, banking and finance roles across the UK and New Zealand. In 2023, Paul founded Waimea Insurance Brokers. He enjoys working with local businesses and advising them on their insurance needs.
Euan McIntosh
Euan McIntosh joined Forsyth Barr Nelson in 2006. Prior to this, Euan worked in various roles in New Zealand and Canada. Euan is registered as a financial adviser and is accredited as an NZX Adviser. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (1991) and a Bachelor of Forestry Science (1993) from University of Canterbury. He also holds the NZX Diploma.
Matt Stringer
Matt started his career in the insolvency sector in London, before moving back to Nelson in 2007. After a 12-year career in commercial banking, specialising in funding structures, strategic planning, and supporting business growth, he is now back in the accounting sector with J.A.S, working alongside business owners, problem-solving and driving tangible results. He relishes being part of the local business community and working with clients from all areas of business.
“Use the entry to tell the story of your business. Don’t focus on hitting word limits or overly worry about what to write. Tell us what you are proud of and what makes your business awesome.”
- Lester Binns