West Coast Wildlife Centre takes top honours at Leading Light Awards

The Franz Josef-based business was named the 2026 Development West Coast Supreme Award winner at the awards held at Shantytown Heritage Park on Wednesday 23 September.

The West Coast Wildlife Centre also won the Medium Enterprise Award, sponsored by Marsh.

Businesses from across the region were recognised during the evening, with six awards presented before the Supreme Award was chosen from among the winners.

Development West Coast chief executive Heath Milne said the awards highlighted the strength and diversity of businesses operating on the Coast.

“There were some really strong businesses in the mix this year, which made the judges’ job pretty difficult,” Mr Milne said.

“What I like about these awards is that you get to see the people behind the businesses and hear their stories, how they’ve grown, the challenges they’ve worked through and what they’re contributing to their communities.

“West Coast Wildlife Centre is a great example of that. They’ve built a really impressive business, and it’s great to see that recognised with the Supreme Award.”

West Coast Wildlife Centre’s Richard Benton said the recognition meant a great deal to the team.

“We’re incredibly humbled to receive this recognition. For us, it’s a reminder that when passionate people come together with a shared purpose, you really can make a difference - for wildlife, for conservation and for the community around you.

“We’re incredibly proud of our team and excited about what we can continue to build here in Franz Josef and on the West Coast for generations to come.”

Chief judge Janine Tindall-Morice, NZME regional head of Southern Commercial, said the standard of entries had been impressive.

“It was inspiring to see such strong entries for this year’s awards,” she said.

“Not only did I see sound, sustainable business practice and some real out-of-the-box thinking, but real consideration of how they give back to the wider West Coast community.”

Westland Medical Centre won the Large Enterprise Award, sponsored by Duncan Cotterill, while Host’d took out the Small Enterprise Award, sponsored by NZME.

Reefton Distilling Co won the Sustainability Award, sponsored by the Department of Conservation, and Franz Josef Wilderness Tours received the People First Award, sponsored by MBD Contracting.

The Rising Star Award, sponsored by the Greymouth Star, went to SkinScreen West Coast.

Mr Milne said the finalists reflected the range of businesses operating across the region.

“We’ve got businesses of all shapes and sizes doing some pretty impressive things on the West Coast.

“The awards are a chance to recognise that work and celebrate the people who are creating jobs, investing in the region and backing their communities.

“It was a special night at Shantytown, and it was great to see so many Coasters getting into the spirit of the occasion and embracing a bit of glitz and glamour.”

2026 DWC Leading Light Business Excellence Awards

• Large Enterprise - sponsored by Duncan Cotterill: Westland Medical Centre
• Medium Enterprise - sponsored by Marsh: West Coast Wildlife Centre
• Small Enterprise - sponsored by NZME: Host’d
• Sustainability Award - sponsored by Department of Conservation: Reefton Distilling Co
• People First Award - sponsored by MBD Contracting: Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
• Rising Star - sponsored by Greymouth Star: SkinScreen West Coast
• Development West Coast Supreme Award: West Coast Wildlife Centre