Spring is in the air, and with spring comes some updates to the Ōamaru business scene.

Firstly, we have a handful of businesses that have been recognised both regionally and nationally for being at the top of their game.

The Whitestone Cheese Co team is thrilled with their latest achievement, a Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Award. 

The award caps off what managing director Simon Berry is calling a “golden year” after the family business also celebrated a Champion of Champions title and received a string of gold medals at the New Zealand Champions of Cheese Awards, earlier this year.

“This latest award goes hand in hand with winning the National Champion with our Monte Cristo Cheese,” he says.

“It’s quite humbling to think about how far we’ve come.”

The Whitestone Diner and Deli welcomes thousands of tourists through its doors over a year, and the company also offers factory tours to enhance the visitor experience, which has helped it land the Gold Award recognition. 

Another favourite Ōamaru eatery, Cucina, is also among the country's best, having maintained its "Hat" in the Cuisine Good Food Awards four years in a row.

Yanina and Pablo Tacchini’s restaurant was awarded the Hat last month, and Cucina is one of close to 100 Hatted restaurants around New Zealand.

Cuisine describe Cucina as "a testament to clever flavours and the blending of cultures".

Meanwhile, Ōamaru bird and pet food company Topflite has been named one of New Zealand’s Best Places to Work 2025.

The family-run business has been named as a finalist in the Spotlight Awards category for Community and Regional Impact.

“While we don’t need an award to tell us that our workplace is a healthy, happy one, we are chuffed to be recognised,” say owners Greg and Carolyn Webster, and Peter and Sandra Mitchell.

We wrote about Topflite making the shortlist last month, and now to find out they've made the finals is even more exciting. We are looking forward to the winners being announced in Auckland at the end of October.

Another Ōamaru-based company, Mīti, has been chosen as a finalist in the New Zealand Food Awards, Primary Product Sector, for its Smokey Kanuka and Honey Beef Bites.

Founder Daniel Carson says he’s proud his fledgling product, which finds a use for surplus dairy calves, has earned a finals spot alongside bigger names such as Aoraki Salmon and Airborne Honey. 

The winners will be announced in Palmerston North next month.

Meanwhile, three Waitaki businesses have been named finalists in The Grand Business South Awards.

Inc Design owners Helen Riley-Duddin and Michael Duddin. Photo: Supplied/Instagram

Inc Design is being recognised for Excellence in Retail, Riverstone Kitchen for Excellence in Hospitality, and Whitestone Contracting Ltd for Excellence in Workplace Injury Prevention.

Business South Waitaki navigator Rebecca Finlay says she is delighted to see such a range of businesses from the region represented at the awards.

“This truly represents how diverse an economy we have in the Waitaki, from a small business supporting niche New Zealand creatives, to hospitality establishments supporting the best of New Zealand-grown produce and gourmet cuisine, and a large engineering business prioritising its community wellbeing,” she says.

The winners will be announced in Dunedin, in November.

New businesses

Meanwhile, opening soon on Tees Street, is a new burger joint, courtesy of Liz Tui Morris and Dion Syme

All going to plan, Burger, baby! is set to open this Friday (September 20).

Since both Liz and Dion have day jobs that keep them busy, they will initially be open three nights a week.

“Basically, we have always talked about a gap in the market in Ōamaru for a dedicated burger joint at night - fresh homemade, more gourmet-style than your typical fish and chip sloppy joe,” Liz says.

“I work next door at one agency so my office is connected to Burger, baby! which makes it easy for me to prep and be organised while working both jobs.”

Both Liz and Dion are qualified chefs with experience in running their own eateries, and have always worked in customer service roles.

Everything is coming up burgers for Dion Syme and Liz Morris, who are opening their new business Burger, baby! this Friday (20 September). Photo: Supplied

“We both saw the opportunity and didn’t want to miss out! Life will be busy, but we have energy plus passion and have thoroughly enjoyed the process so far!”

With a maximum emphasis on atmosphere, the couple aims to offer their customers an experience that will complement their good food.

There will be vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free options available.

A little bit further north, at 34 Thames Street, is Rust Atelier, which quietly opened a few months ago.

The premises, which most recently housed Art on Thames, is now a treasure trove for lovers of linen, run by Sally Vendetti. It stocks New Zealand-made clothing, accessories and homeware.

It’s worth popping in if you’re looking for a gift for somebody special, or to treat yourself.

Meanwhile out the North End, Saxon Morgan has opened his own barber shop on 5 Tern Street, called Saxon Blendz.

Saxon worked with the team at The Don, on Thames Street, for 18 months, and has now taken the brave leap to go out on his own. 

Also out the North End, and only open Friday to Sunday, is Venerable Vintage at 409 Thames Highway. 

For those who love hunting for a rare treasure, the store stocks retro and vintage items, such as Crown Lynn, Temuka Pottery, Tupperware, and restored furniture - and all the favourites from your childhood (for those whose childhood was pre-2000s!).

Change of ownership

Meanwhile, the Heritage Precinct’s flagship building, the Criterion Hotel, is now under new ownership.

Sahil Lohan has been living in New Zealand for the past six years and has been working in hospitality throughout that time. 

“It’s an industry I really enjoy, especially because it allows me to connect with people and be part of the community.” 

Last year he started running a pub in Fairlie, with his brother Sachin, and they where we were “truly humbled” by the warm welcome and support from the locals.

Sachin (left) and Sahil Lohan have been enjoying the community support since taking over the Criterion Hotel. Photo: Supplied.

“We’re looking forward to the same here in Oamaru, and it’s been wonderful to already feel that support from the community around the Criterion.”

Sahil says he was drawn to The Criterion, not only because it’s a stunning historic building, but also due to the stories and heritage surrounding it, and its importance to the town. 

“There’s a real sense of character here, and I want to see it thriving again as a place where locals feel at home, just like it used to be in the past.”

The brothers have already reopened the accommodation, which has been really well received, Sahil says.

They are also planning to extend the opening days from five to seven days a week. 

“Looking ahead, our goal is to create a lively, welcoming hub for both locals and visitors - somewhere that celebrates the Criterion’s history while giving it fresh energy for the future.”

If you have a new business opening, changing hands, or winning awards, please let us know at [email protected].