I was informed this week by the Corporate Events Guide People's Choice Awards that I have won the Best Nationwide Bands category for 2010. This is my second consecutive win in this category, having also won it in 2009. The photo at right shows the two trophies sitting side by side on my piano keys. My grateful thanks go again to all those who supported my nomination!

I received a mention in the Wairarapa Times-Age newspaper today following my People's Choice Awards win. A few errors in the story, but otherwise a fairly straight article and all good for helping raise my profile in the region. My thanks to Nathan Crombie of the Times-Age for the article, and to Mark Harris of Event Action for dobbing me in!

I was surprised and delighted to receive a phone call on Monday from Sharon Schutte of New Zealand's Corporate Events Guide informing me that I am the winner of the 2009 People's Choice Award for the Best Nationwide Bands category. A huge THANK YOU to all who supported my nomination by voting - you made it happen!

CGA Managing Director Stuart Macklin writes: "The Corporate Events Guide People's Choice Awards honour New Zealand companies that have excelled in their field of expertise over the last 12 months. Now in their fourth year, the Corporate Events Guide People’s Choice Awards are known as the most prestigious awards in the event planning industry.

"13,000 votes have been recorded throughout the year and we are very happy to inform you that Andre Mendes Da Costa emerged as the Best Nationwide Bands in the Corporate Events Guide People’s Choice Awards 2009.

"The Corporate Events Guide People's Choice Awards are a fantastic accolade to associate with your company. The votes you received were generated from event planners across New Zealand who have had a positive experience with your company. The Corporate Events Guide is recognised as the leading directory in New Zealand for event planners, and this award will provide consumers with confidence and reassurance when booking your product."

I've just been informed that I am one of five finalists in the CEG People's Choice Awards for Best Nationwide Bands. Finalists have been given a one-week voting extension in the awards, so if you have heard my music and would like to support my nomination, please click on this link and submit your vote before Friday, 9 October.

"Simply being nominated in the CEG People's Choice Awards is a fantastic accolade to have associated with any company and to be announced as a finalist really is an amazing honour," according to Corporate Events Guide event manager Sharon Schutte.

The winner for each nationwide category is to be announced at the CEG People's Choice Awards Gala Dinner which will be held on the evening of the TIME Speakers' Convention at the Ellerslie Events Centre in Auckland on Friday, 30 October.