TUANZ Awards Dinner

I attended my first TUANZ Awards Dinners last night, thanks to lawyer Michael Wigley whose law firm sponsored the ISP of the Year award, and invited me to his table (Michael acts for InternetNZ and various ISPs on telco issues).

It was a very enjoyable night – black tie compulsory so the penguin suit was hired. Personally I can live without black tie dress codes, but the nice thing is the woman then all dress up accordingly and look magnificent, so no real complaints.

Started with pre-pre-dinner drinks in the bar, then official pre-dinner drinks downstairs at the Hyatt and finally after two hours of champagne with no food we make the dinner – 40 tables of ten spread throughout the ballrooms and six screens beaming people and presentations at us.

John Campbell was the host, and an excellent choice. Very smooth and witty, yet not dominating so much that he was the “story”.

ISP of the Year went to Orcon. I was picking it would be them or Ihug. A popular choice.

Telco of the Year went to Vodafone, which again was a popular choice. Vodafone are good with the innovation. Life without my Vodafone Blackberry and 3G data card would be like being in a gulag 🙂

The media of the year was Telecommunications Review and journalist of the year was Peter Nowak formerly of the NZ Herald who accepted the award by phone from Canada. Peter was again a very good choice as he really gave important stories the prominance and detail they needed.

Finally the Chairman’s Award for leadership went to David Cunliffe, which was clearly the obvious choice with his telecommunications stocktake having invigorated the sector.

Dessert and dancing followed the awards and then after midnight the after-match parties took place in selected rooms. I think I did well to make my 10 am appointment this morning!!