The Redwoods comes out tops with two business awards

Rotorua District Council's team at The Redwoods “jumped through all the hoops” this year to prepare entries for the Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards, and have been rewarded with two wins, including Community Organisation Business Award and Customer Service Distinction Award.

The Redwoods Manager Julianne Wilkinson says it was really nice to be recognised for the part that council plays in managing the forest on behalf of the community.

“People often say how lucky we are in Rotorua to have The Redwoods & Whakarewarewa Forest - and we are! But a lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes by the community, land owners, and forest managers to look after the forest and make it available for recreational use.”

Julianne says the Business Awards process is comprehensive and followed a four-step process.

“First is the written application covering nine elements of business, including leadership, customer focus, quality management, people management, innovation & knowledge, planning, marketing, business performance and the community & environment.

“Second is a two-hour interview with two judges.

“From there the preliminary finalists are selected and a financial statement for analysis is requested. Providing this measures up, the finalists are then confirmed. Lastly a 30 minute presentation to the full contingent of 12 judges takes place.

“The Distinction Award is a bit easier but no less daunting. A written application is followed by an interview with two judges and in the case of the Customer Service Award, mystery shoppers are sent out to assess the staff.”

Julianne says customer service underpins everything they do at The Redwoods, and both of these awards recognise the efforts they make for their customers.

Congratulations also to The Redwoods’ Wendy Milne-Goad who was a finalist in the Employee of the Year Distinction Award.