2026 Love Taupō Smooth Operators Award

LOVE TAUPŌ SMOOTH OPERATORS AWARD

Industry-Based Primary Category
ENTER YOUR TEAM FOR THE LOVE TAUPŌ SMOOTH OPERATORS AWARD

All businesses entering the Stella Awards will need to enter an Industry-Based Primary Category.

This category is for the premier Tourism & Accommodation providers in the Taupō district. These businesses could be tourism activity operators, entertainment venues, hotels, motels or backpackers, equipment outfitters, guides or transport providers.

Every business has a story to tell. Stella Awards exists to celebrate the businesses in our district that are telling theirs exceptionally well — through the experiences they create, the customers they delight, and the community they help to shape.

At the heart of this awards programme is one central question: how are you delivering an outstanding customer experience from end to end?

We're not just looking for what you do — we want to know how and why you do it, and what difference it has made. The best answers will be specific, reflective, and honest.

This is your opportunity to show Taupō what you're made of. Tell us your story.

In addition to this category, you are welcome to also apply for a maximum of 2 Specialty Categories.
Business Name
Contact Name

First NameLast Name
Contact Position
Director, Manager, etc
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Address

Street Address

Suburb

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Customer Experience
Describe the specific initiatives you have implemented in the last two years to enhance the customer journey from end to end. How are you turning first-time interactions into repeat visits and loyal advocates for your business? Tell us what prompted these changes, what you did, and the difference it has made. (500 words max)

0/500
Share specific examples of times your team has delivered outstanding customer service. We want to hear the real stories — whether that's going above and beyond to create a memorable experience, handling a difficult situation with grace and professionalism, or finding a creative solution that turned a challenging interaction into a shining one. (250 words max)

0/250
Virtual Experience
How has your business invested in developing or improving its online presence to enhance the customer experience? This might include your website, social media, online booking or shopping, review management, digital storytelling, or other tools and platforms. Tell us what you have done, and how it has improved the way customers discover, interact with, and choose your business. (250 words max)

0/250
Cross-Promotion Expertise
How does your business collaborate with or promote other local businesses, experiences, or organisations in the Taupō region? Give specific examples, including the impact this has on your business and the region as a whole. (250 words max)

0/250
Community Contribution
Tell us about the ways your business contributes to the vibrancy of the Taupō community — whether through charitable support, championing local causes, sustainability practices, event involvement, or other initiatives. What motivates your business to do so and how has this enhanced your customer’s connection to your business? (250 words max)

0/250
Should be Empty:

LOVE TAUPŌ SMOOTH OPERATORS AWARD

Customer Experience

Virtual Experience

Cross-Promotion Expertise

Community Contribution