Five Porirua organisations have been named finalists in the 2026 Gold Awards, recognising business innovation, leadership and community impact across the Wellington region.
The finalists were announced last Friday ahead of the awards evening at Wellington’s Embassy Theatre on 2 July.
Porirua organisations selected as finalists are Mufftech in the Emerging Gold products category, Fundsorter and Black Dog Physio in Emerging Gold services, Solid in the Global Gold and Green Gold categories, and the Porirua Careers Expo in the Supporting Gold category.
Established in 1999, the Gold Awards celebrate organisations making a significant contribution to the region through performance, innovation and leadership. Previous supreme winners have included Park Road Post, Flick Electric Co, Fix & Fogg and Porirua-based J H Whittaker & Sons.
Gold Awards Event Director John Dow said this year’s finalists reflected the strength and diversity of the regional economy.
“There is a breadth of innovation and community connection among them,” Dow said.
“Across the field there is a strong theme of businesses solving real problems in smart, grounded ways. These organisations are showing what modern regional leadership looks like.”
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker said it was encouraging to see local organisations recognised in a highly competitive field.
“There are some original and inventive things happening in business in our city, and I’m very pleased for the organisations that have made it through. They deserve to be highlighted,” Baker said.
Baker also praised the Porirua Careers Expo, which attracted more than 3000 people to Te Rauparaha Arena last week.
“To see more than 3000 people at Te Rauparaha Arena inspired towards further education or career opportunities was exciting,” she said.
The full list of finalists is available at the Gold Awards website, https://www.goldawards.co.nz/