Best in the business
Taupō’s best businesses have been announced at a sold-out gala dinner on Friday night.
The team from MyStays celebrate winning the Overall Business of the Year at the 2025 Unison Great Lake Taupō Business Awards.
By Dan Hutchinson
MyStays won the Strettons Excellence in Strategy & Planning Award at the 2025 Unison Great Lake Taupō Business Awards and went on to win the title of 2Degrees Overall Business of the Year.
The holiday rental management company is owned by Elle and Brent Knight and has grown hugely over the past 10 years.
The company now manages properties from Taupō and Coromandel to the Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay and across Hamilton and Auckland.
Founder Elle, says it was an incredible night for the team, which now includes about 30 staff.
“Every step we’ve taken, every milestone we’ve achieved, is a result of their tireless efforts and commitment. These awards are a celebration of what we’ve built together—strong systems, an innovative spirit, and a people-first culture that fuels everything we do.”
Judges praised MyStays for its “bold, scalable business model, values-driven culture, and embedded innovation that have driven phenomenal results”.
Elle says it was an incredible night for MyStays.
“To be recognised with the Strettons Excellence in Strategy & Planning, Highly Commended in Amplify Taupo District Excellence in Innovation, and to top it off, being named 2degrees Overall Business of the Year, is truly an honour. But these accolades are so much more than just titles—they represent the hard work, dedication, and passion of our amazing team.
“We are also incredibly grateful to every owner who has trusted us with their holiday home management, and to every guest who has chosen one of our properties for their stay.
“It was a privilege to share this moment with the people who make MyStays what it is today, and to stand alongside the team that continues to push boundaries and exceed expectations. These wins are a testament to the power of collaboration and the belief that every person has a vital role in shaping our success.
“We couldn’t be prouder, and we’re excited for the journey ahead as we continue to raise the bar and serve our owners, guests, and the Taupō community with excellence!”
The evening was hosted by Will Martin, the youngest man in history to top the UK Classical Charts, who mixed MC duties with a few show-stopping ballads and tunes.
MTF Finance also won big at the awards, picking up the Excellence in Marketing and the Best Emerging Business awards and Highly Commended in the Strategy and Planning category.
MTF Finance Taupō co-owner Susannah Cowan says winning the awards is a huge honour for the team.
“We’re proud to be recognised for doing things differently – putting people first, listening to our customers, and making finance personal again. This is a win for our customers as much as it is for us.”
She says the focus of their marketing is all about local networking, connecting with local businesses, and sponsoring events that are “truly local”.
“We are not as strong as others in terms of digital marketing and stuff like that because we believe the real value is in the local relationships.
“Taupō is so great for that (networking). Local business referrals was the second largest proportion of all our lending which is pretty amazing when you think about it.
“It’s a big time commitment but there is real value in it.”
Winners list
Main categories
Excellence in Strategy & Planning: MyStays Ltd
Excellence in Marketing: MTF Finance Taupō
Best Emerging Business: MTF Finance Taupō
Excellence in Sustainability: XOX Floral
Excellence in Community Contribution: The Cozy Corner
Employer of the Year: SiteCare Ltd
Excellence in Innovation: Western Energy Services Ltd
People’s Choice Award
Here.for.it Tūrangi gift store
Highly Commended
Strategy & Planning: MTF Finance Taupō
Marketing: Café Lacus
Best Emerging: Farmers Quality Meats
Employer of the Year: Western Energy Services Ltd
Innovation: MyStays Ltd