Finalists chosen for ANZ Auckland Export Awards 07

Finalists chosen for ANZ Auckland Export Awards 2007

15 June 2007

Exporters this year face the double challenges of overcoming the high Kiwi dollar and maintaining markets so far away from New Zealand. But this hasn’t stopped a record number of exporters from entering the ANZ Auckland Export Awards.

The field for the four awards for excellence represent the best of Auckland’s exporting talent from food products to marine interiors to software. The awards honour exporters’ innovation and sheer determination to export during difficult times.

"We have had a team of six judges powering through a record number of entries. What a great privilege to meet some truly remarkable New Zealanders taking on world competition and winning in grand style,” said Convener of Judges for Export New Zealand, Auckland, Hugh Cronwright of Marquet Trading Ltd.

He added there was a noticeable lift in entries in the ICT sector. “Many of the competitors have carved themselves a special niche in their markets through the pure excellence of their products or services, and been able to survive the extremely tough selling conditions presented by our unjustifiably high overseas Exchange Rates.”

Finalists for The Mondiale Auckland Exporter of the Year are A-Ward Attachments Ltd, manufactures heavy industrial cutting and demolition equipment; Orion Health, manufactures and designs medical software; and The Sweet Shop, produces of advertising and promotional material.

The Air NZ Cargo Auckland Emerging Exporter of the Year is being sought by Yellowtuna Networks Ltd, produces internet/email protection software and hardware; Specialist Marine Interiors Ltd, manufactures and installs super-yacht and aircraft interiors; and The Hyperfactory Ltd, mobile systems media company.

Vying for The DB Breweries Auckland Service Provider of the Year are The Sweet Shop, producer of advertising and promotional material and Viisibility Systems Ltd, internet-based information sharing software.

Chosen as finalists for the Auckland Export Deal of the Year are A-Ward Attachments Ltd, manufacturer of heavy industrial cutting and demolition equipment; Endace Measurement Systems Ltd, manufacturer of network management software; and Mead International Ltd, producer of fresh food and specialty food products.

“Final selection of the winners is a really tough job, as always,” Mr Cronwright said. “Congratulations to the finalists, you had to beat some really good exporters to get there.”

The awards will be presented at a Gala Dinner on 22 June at the Hyatt Regency. Ronny Phillips will host the evening. Keynote speakers will be the Honourable Phil Goff, Minister of Trade, and Chris Moller, CEO of the NZ Rugby Union. The winner of the The Air NZ Cargo Auckland Emerging Exporter of the Year Award will compete for The Export New Zealand National Emerging Exporter of the Year honour to be presented at the 2007 New Zealand Export Awards in November.

ENDS

© Scoop Media