Finalists in 2012 NZ International Business Awards named

Finalists in 2012 New Zealand International Business Awards named

Monday 16 January 2012

Twenty-seven companies are finalists in the 2012 New Zealand International Business Awards, which recognise the myriad of ways companies now do business globally.

Finalists include businesses creating health ingredients from everyday foods, companies developing software and systems used in cinemas, hospitals and airports, and firms manufacturing refrigerators, heaters, magnets and baggage handling systems.

Winners of seven categories at the awards, which are run by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and strategic partner ANZ, will be announced on Wednesday 21 March.

NZTE Chief Executive Peter Chrisp said it was fantastic to have 27 businesses representing a wide variety of industries and regions as finalists in the prestigious awards.

“This year’s finalists are using our country’s world class technology, reputation and skills to develop high value brands and push out into new markets. These are ambitious, internationally focused businesses that New Zealanders should be proud of.

“Sharing their stories helps build understanding of what is required to succeed internationally as well as giving us an opportunity to recognise the contribution they’re making to New Zealand,” Mr Chrisp said.

David Green, Managing Director, Institutional New Zealand at ANZ, said New Zealand companies were capitalising on the growing global demand for diversity of products which New Zealand produces well.

“While global economic confidence has declined, our export growth is evidence of a domestic economy which is favourably positioned for global trade flows. The 2012 finalists reflect New Zealand's progressive move away from our traditional markets.

“Historically, 80 percent of our exports went to Europe and the Americas, the majority to the United Kingdom. We now have a fast growing market closer to our own shores, with around two-thirds of all exports going to Asia, Australia and the Pacific, opening up new opportunities for growth.”

The Ministry of Science and Innovation (MSI) supports four Special Category Awards to recognise excellence in research and development, intellectual property, design, and innovative ways of doing business.

MSI Chief Executive Murray Bain said the Special Category finalists each had a unique story to share about particular aspects of doing business globally.

“However, one of the things they all have in common is that coming from New Zealand, getting noticed on the world stage is a major challenge. I’m proud to say the Special Category finalists have been innovative in getting themselves on the map, and I’m looking forward to watching them continue to develop.”

In addition to celebrating company achievements, the New Zealand International Business Awards recognise people who are leading their businesses to global success. Eight business leaders are finalists in two categories that celebrate an emerging and an outstanding leader in international business.

Follow the finalists on twitter @nzte_iba or online at www.nzte.govt.nz/awards

GENERAL CATEGORY FINALISTS

Best Business Operating Internationally – Under $10m

ASPEQ (Wellington)

BioVittoria (Hamilton)

Energy Mad (Christchurch)

Escea (Dunedin)

Fastmount (Auckland)

Best Business Operating Internationally – $10m-$50m

Altitude Aerospace Interiors (Auckland)

Canary Enterprises (Hamilton)

EasiYo Products (Auckland)

Les Mills International (Auckland)

Trilogy Advanced Natural Skincare (Wellington)

Triodent (Katikati)

Vista Entertainment Solutions (Auckland)

Best Business Operating Internationally – Over $50m

BCS (Auckland)

Buckley Systems (Auckland)

Christchurch Engine Centre (Christchurch)

Downer NZ (Tauranga)

Orion Health (Auckland)

Rakon (Auckland)

SKOPE (Christchurch)

Tait Electronics (Christchurch)

Westland Milk Products (Hokitika)

SPECIAL CATEGORY FINALISTS

Supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation

Best Use of Research and Development in International Business

Downer NZ (Auckland)

Energy Mad (Christchurch)

Seperex (Dunedin)

Technopak (Auckland)

Westland Milk Products (Hokitika)

Best Commercialisation of Intellectual Property in International Business

Burger Fuel (Auckland)

Everedge IP (Auckland)

Westland Milk Products (Hokitika)

Best Use of Design in International Business

ASPEQ (Wellington)

Canary Enterprises (Hamilton)

Energy Mad (Christchurch)

Sistema Plastics (Auckland)

Triodent (Katikati)

Most Innovative Business Model in International Business

Burger Fuel (Auckland)

Energy Mad (Christchurch)

GMP Pharmaceuticals (Auckland)

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