Entries open for New Zealand International Business Awards

Entries open for New Zealand International Business Awards

May 20, 2011 - New Zealand companies succeeding internationally are invited to enter the 2012 New Zealand International Business Awards.

Entry forms are available from the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) website (www.nzte.govt.nz/awards) and need to be submitted by 5pm, 17 June 2011.

NZTE Chief Executive Peter Chrisp says the awards celebrate the direct contribution that small, medium, and large businesses make to New Zealand’s economy by recognising different approaches they take to internationalisation.

“In a world where customers have increasingly high expectations and where opportunities quickly come and go, it is vital that our businesses respond with sophisticated business strategies, agility, innovation, and passion.

“The awards are a chance for New Zealanders to learn from and celebrate our emerging business gems and our more established international companies. And for the entrants themselves, the awards programme provides great opportunities to learn, network, and promote their successes to staff, customers, and the public,” Mr Chrisp says.

Previous participants say the entry and feedback process has given them new perspectives to help revise and refine their international strategy. Winners say the recognition they get in New Zealand is extremely rewarding and adds another dimension to their international marketing efforts.

The 10-month programme of awards activity culminates in a gala ceremony in March 2012 where finalists and winners get to take their place alongside other New Zealand business success stories.

The awards programme is run by NZTE with the support of Strategic Partner ANZ.

ANZ New Zealand's Managing Director, Institutional, David Green says ANZ is proud to be the Strategic Partner for the third consecutive year.

"We’re delighted to support a programme of this calibre that recognises and celebrates the achievements of New Zealand businesses and business leaders who are contributing to the success of the New Zealand economy," Mr Green says.

The Ministry of Science and Innovation (MSI) sponsors four Special Category Awards covering particular aspects of international business activity: innovative approaches, research and development, commercialisation of intellectual property, and design.

MSI Chief Executive Murray Bain says innovative businesses can gain a competitive edge in international markets by using research and development.

"These awards put the spotlight on New Zealand's most successful companies, and under that spotlight show that sustainable competitive advantage comes from ongoing investment in innovation," Mr Bain says.

ENDS

© Scoop Media