‘Making the world of difference to New Zealand’

12 November

‘Making the world of difference to New Zealand’

The World Class New Zealanders Award is awarded annually to recognise an expatriate New Zealander who is making an outstanding contribution to New Zealand’s economic development.

New Zealand’s global community of expatriates is a potent force in New Zealand’s economic growth. Many successful New Zealanders who live overseas give generously of their time, knowledge and expertise to generate business opportunities for Kiwi companies and industries and open doors for our country. This award shines a spotlight on their work and illustrates how vital sharing expertise and forging international connections are for New Zealand’s future.

The prestigious World Class New Zealander Award has been developed by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) as part of its World Class New Zealand programme and is presented in association with the Kiwi Expat Association (KEA). It was launched in 2003 and one award is given each year.

The inaugural recipient was Andy Lark, a former Aucklander who is now Vice President Global Communications and Marketing for Sun Microsystems. The award recognised Lark’s achievements in helping New Zealand technology companies gain access to the US market, helping to build global business networks for Kiwis and freely sharing his knowledge and expertise with New Zealand business people.

The award is judged by an independent panel of three. The 2004 judges were Andy Lark, last year’s winner, Dick Hubbard, Mayor of Auckland and Managing Director of Hubbard Foods and Mark Weldon, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Stock Exchange.

Nominees were judged on the following criteria: Facilitates the exchange of important information, knowledge or skills with New Zealand Fosters New Zealand innovation and entrepreneurship Personally invests time/money/resource to assist New Zealand’s economic development Promotes New Zealand internationally Builds expatriates’ connectedness with New Zealand

The 2004 World Class New Zealander Award will be presented by the Minister of Economic Development, Jim Anderton, at a special ceremony on 11 November, 2004.

The World Class New Zealand programme The World Class New Zealand programme is a practical programme that connects high-potential New Zealand sectors with the best talent in the world. An important part of the programme is the World Class New Zealand network, which comprises high-calibre professionals from around the world who generously contribute their time and expertise to help New Zealand sectors build capability and become globally connected.

World Class New Zealanders Award – Judging Panel:

Andy Lark Winner of the inaugural World Class New Zealander Award in 2003, Andy Lark is a global communications and marketing professional with more than 17 years of experience spanning America, Asia, Europe and New Zealand. Born and bred in Auckland, Andy is now based in Silicon Valley, CA, USA, where he is Vice President Global Communications and Marketing for Sun Microsystems. He founded and leads “the GNOK” (Global Network of Kiwis), an organisation bringing together top Kiwi talent in the US to assist high potential technology companies break into offshore markets. As a member of the KEA executive in Silicon Valley he provides advice and contacts for New Zealand companies, and assists them in raising venture capital. His achievements have earned him multiple awards and recognition including being named by PR Week as one of technology industry's "Most Influential" communicators.

Dick Hubbard ONZM

Dick Hubbard is the founder and Managing Director of Hubbard Foods Ltd and was recently elected Mayor of Auckland. Before setting up Hubbard Foods in 1987, Dick spent 13 years in management roles at Tasti Products Ltd. During this time he grew the company’s annual turnover from $1 million to $16 million, taking pride in building an entrepreneurial, profitable organisation with a diversified product range and sound management structure.

Dick is committed to a business philosophy of combining social and financial objectives and is Founding Chairman of NZ Businesses for Social Responsibility. He is heavily involved in community and professional organisations and this has been largely entwined with the development of Hubbard Foods. In 2000 Dick was awarded the ONZM for Services to Business.

Mark Weldon

Mark Weldon is Chief Executive of the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX) and a director of NZX Funds Management Limited. He gained a Ph.D and a Diploma in International Law from the Columbia University School of Law in New York before joining the leading New York law firm, Skadden, Arps, Slade, Meagher & Flom as an attorney. He went on to work at the New York office of McKinsey & Company, specialising in stock exchanges, asset management, wholesale banking (investment and commercial) and general corporate strategy. He took up his position with NZX two years ago.

Mark is a former New Zealand swimming champion and was a member of our 1990 Commonwealth Games and 1992 Barcelona Olympics swim teams. As a former expat Kiwi, Mark has first hand knowledge of the wealth of benefits New Zealanders working overseas can deliver to their country.

ENDS

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