Finalists named in 2013 NZ International Business Awards

MEDIA RELEASE:Finalists named in 2013 New Zealand International Business Awards

EMBARGOED TILL: 6am, Friday 9 August 2013

A revolutionary diabetes detection system and a digital DJ software platform are among the unique range of solutions produced by the 29 finalists in this year’s 2013 New Zealand International Business Awards. Celebrating the passion, vision and new approaches that New Zealand businesses are taking to achieve international success, the Awards are run by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and Strategic Partner ANZ.

Other finalists include a business offering 3D modelling technology for use in hydrogeological and geothermal exploration, a company whose handmade educational tools for children are sold in Harrods and MoMa, a burger venture taking on the Middle East, a business that manufactures precision electro magnets used in touchscreens, whiteware and medical systems, and a number of agricultural and ICT-focused companies. Also of note this year are the two winery finalists - the first time in four years a winery has made it to the finalist stage of the Awards.

A judging panel featuring some of New Zealand’s top business minds scrutinised over 160 entries across 68 companies before settling on the 29 finalists.

In addition to celebrating company achievements, the Awards recognise individuals who are leading lights in the New Zealand business community. Six business leaders are finalists in two categories that celebrate leadership and contribution in international business.

Peter Chrisp, Chief Executive of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, said the breadth of finalists from across various New Zealand regions and sectors demonstrates the diversity of this country’s business prowess.

“The global economy continues to be tough and these finalists have certainly faced their share of challenges on the road to internationalisation. But through their ambition, skill, flexibility, adaptability and determination, they continue to rise to the challenge and their contribution to the country’s export success is invaluable.

“That contribution isn’t only measured in revenue - companies may have spent the past year positioning themselves for future growth, growing their share of a particular market, or increasing their brand profile. These are all powerful business growth strategies.”

David Green, Managing Director Institutional at ANZ New Zealand, said: “A successful export sector is good for business and essential for creating jobs and growth in the New Zealand economy. These diverse finalists epitomise this country’s exporting strengths and are stand-outs among the inspirational companies and individuals that are succeeding in international markets.

“In positioning their businesses on the global stage, they’re competing and winning in an environment that is challenging and rapidly changing. If mastered successfully, the changes that are incurring, including the rapid growth and urbanisation in Asian markets, provide enormous opportunities for businesses to grow and contribute to New Zealand’s success.”

The finalists, together with individuals nominated in the leadership categories, have a nervous wait ahead of the Awards ceremony, which is being held on September 26 in Auckland.

Follow the finalists on Twitter: @NZTEnews, #NZIBA; Facebook: facebook.com/NZtradeandenterprise; and online at www.nzte.govt.nz/finalists
GENERAL CATEGORY FINALISTs

ANZ Best Business Operating Internationally – Under $10m
• ARANZ Geo Limited                                       (Christchurch)
• BurgerFuel Worldwide Limited                       (Auckland)
• Canterbury Scientific Limited                         (Christchurch)
• Futrix Limited                                                  (Wellington)
• K9 Natural Food Ltd                                        (Christchurch)
• Merlot Aero Ltd                                               (Auckland)
• Seedling New Zealand Limited                       (Auckland)
• SnapComms                                                   (Auckland)

ANZ Best Business Operating Internationally – $10m-$50m
·         CRV Limited                                                   (Hamilton)                              
·         Gentrack Group Ltd                                        (Auckland)
·         JUCY                                                              (Auckland)
·         Marisco Vineyards                                          (Blenheim)
·         Serato                                                             (Auckland)
·         WhereScape                                                   (Auckland)
·         Zeacom Group Limited                                   (Auckland)

ANZ Best Business Operating Internationally – Over $50m
·         Buckley Systems Limited                               (Auckland)
·         GMP Pharmaceuticals Ltd                             (Auckland)
·         New Image Group Limited                             (Auckland)
·         Synlait Milk Limited                                         (Christchurch)
·         Tru-Test Group                                               (Auckland)
·         Westland Milk Products                                 (Hokitika)
·         Yealands Wine Group                          (Blenheim)

SPECIAL CATEGORY FINALISTS     

International success through the application of innovation, supported by Callaghan Innovation
·         Auckland UniServices Limited                       (Auckland)
·         Buckley Systems Limited                               (Auckland)
·         Canterbury Scientific Limited                         (Christchurch)
·         EasiYo Products Limited                                (Auckland)
Best Commercialisation of Intellectual Property in International Business, supported by James & Wells
·         Argenta Ltd                                                     (Auckland)
·         Auckland UniServices Limited                       (Auckland)
·         GreenButton                                                   (Wellington)
·         Serato                                                             (Auckland)
Most Innovative Business Model in International Business, supported by AUT Business
·         JUCY                                                              (Auckland)
·         New Image Group Limited                             (Auckland)
·         The New Zealand Merino Company Limited (Christchurch)
·         Tru-Test Group                                               (Auckland)
Best Use of Design in International Business
·         3i Innovation Limited                                       (Auckland)     
·         BurgerFuel Worldwide Limited                       (Auckland)
·         Inspired Jewellery Group                                (Wellington)
·         Serato                                                             (Auckland)
·         Tru-Test Group                                               (Auckland)     
LEADERSHIP CATEGORY FINALISTS       

KPMG Outstanding International Business Leader
·         Dr Doug Cleverly, Managing Director and Founder, Argenta
·         Brett Hewlett, CEO, Comvita
KPMG Leader: Outstanding Contribution to International Business
·         John Brakenridge, CEO, The New Zealand Merino Company
·         Mark Cairns, CEO, Port of Tauranga
·         Chris Kelly, CEO Landcorp (to 30 August)
·         Mark Waller, CEO, EBOS

ENDS

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