A record number of export companies have made the final stage of the New Zealand International Business Awards 2019.
The 39 finalists and nominees come from around New Zealand and represent an array of sectors, demonstrating the nation’s business diversity and innovation. They will find out if they have taken home one of New Zealand’s most prestigious business awards at a black-tie dinner in Auckland on Thursday, 7 November.
In addition, there are five nominees for Inspiring Women Leaders, and another five nominees for the He kai kei aku ringa for Māori Excellence in Export award.
The New Zealand International Business Awards are run by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and supported by Strategic Partner, ANZ New Zealand Limited. They celebrate the success of New Zealand businesses on the world stage and recognise excellence and innovative practice. Over the past 52 years, many of New Zealand’s most iconic companies have been celebrated at the awards.
The convenor of judges, David Downs, said the record number of finalists reflected a growing focus among exporters on the ability to tell their story effectively.
“The New Zealand International Business Awards are very demanding – entrants have to complete a detailed application, and more than 55 companies then faced judging panels around the country, where they each had 20 minutes to explain why their business should be recognised.
“What we found is that our export community really understands that, to succeed internationally, you have to be able to explain why your product or service is right for your customers. It’s not enough to simply rely on the quality of your product, you have to tell its story, you have to connect with your customers and show them you understand their needs and how you can help them.
“That sophistication really came through this year for the judges, and that’s why we have chosen more finalists than ever before. New Zealand can be very proud that its export businesses are representing themselves, and New Zealand itself, in a dynamic, engaging way.”
Sectors from technology to agriculture, food and beverage to manufacturing are represented. Winners of regional ExportNZ awards were automatically included in the pitch sessions, and 13 have made it through to become finalists.
ExportNZ’s Executive Director, Catherine Beard, says ExportNZ has enjoyed collaborating with NZTE on celebrating New Zealand’s leading exporters, with regional awards’ winners contributing to a richer pool of talented companies competing for New Zealand International Business Awards honours. “We wish all the finalists the best of luck and look forward to seeing who the winners will be on the night.”
Siobhan McKenna, CEO of Global Women and a category judge for Inspiring Women Leaders, offered high praise for this year’s contenders: “These five women are outstanding businesspeople, providing exemplary leadership and making a substantial difference to their companies. Each of them would be a worthy winner, but together they place a spotlight on the impressive depth of world-class leaders coming out of New Zealand.”
Category judge Andrew Baker, an independent director and expert in strategic cultural transformation, also praised this year’s nominees for He kai kei aku ringa for Māori Excellence in Export: “These companies engender the importance of Māori values, and they are developing distinctive products and narratives that have a real impact around the world.”
The finalists and nominees for all categories are listed below. Further details of the awards night can be found at www.nziba.co.nz At the awards, the Supreme Award will also be presented to one of the category winners.
Photo: Last years NZIBA winners.
The 2019 finalists and nominees announced are:
Best Emerging Business
Dawn Aerospace
Dexibit
Jeuneora
Method Recycling
Oritain Global Limited
Organic Initiative Limited
Taska Prosthetics
Re-Leased
Best Medium Business
Doyle Sails New Zealand Group
Education Perfect Limited
Haka Tourism Group
ITL (Integration Technologies Limited)
Natural Pet Food Group
Rockit Global Limited
Spotlight Reporting
Tuapeka Gold Print
Unleashed Software
ANZ Best Large Business
AFT Pharmaceuticals Limited
Air New Zealand Gas Turbines
Christchurch Engine Centre (Pratt & Whitney Holdings SAS)
Douglas Pharmaceuticals Limited
EROAD
Kono NZ LP
New Zealand King Salmon
The New Zealand Merino Company Limited
Excellence in Innovation
AFT Pharmaceuticals Limited
Bluelab
Dexibit
Dotterel Technologies
The New Zealand Merino Company Limited
Volpara Enterprise Software
Excellence in Design
Doyle Sails New Zealand
Kono NZ LP
Method Recycling
The New Zealand Merino Company Limited
He kai kei aku ringa for Māori Excellence in Export
Anagenix
Kiwa Digital
Kono NZ LP
Okains Bay Seafood
Te Pa Bay Wines
Inspiring Women Leaders
Anna Guenther, PledgeMe
Angie Judge, Dexibit
Helen Robinson, Organic Initiative Limited
Rachel Taulelei, Kono NZ LP
Michelle Walshe, Augusto Group
Inspiring Preference for New Zealand
Ao Skincare (Distil Skincare Limited)
Greenstone TV
Kono NZ LP