Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards

Media Release

12 June 2008

Entries close in 'Oscars' of Manukau business

Companies keen to enter the event known as the 'Oscars' of the Manukau business calendar have until 1 July 2008 to submit their entry.

Each year for 15 years the Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards has sought to recognize Manukau's stand-out companies.

"It's a chance for us to acknowledge the achievements of Manukau's most innovative and progressive businesses and honour them for their performance," says Ian Blair, General Manager of Business Banking at Westpac. "The Awards are all about celebrating the very best of the best in business."

Contenders will be hoping to join past winners in going on to achieve national and international recognition. These companies include Downer EDI Works Limited, Rayglass Boats, Epic Packaging, Villa Maria Estate, tourism retailer Kiwi Discovery, and Styrobeck Plastics Limited.

"One of the critical factors in making our city a great place is the success of our businesses. Whether large or small, they all have a part to play in helping Manukau and its residents thrive," says Manukau Mayor Len Brown.

"There are some brilliant stories out there to be told about our companies. The awards are the place to tell them and put all of Manukau in the spotlight at a event that gets widespread coverage."

The 2008 programme promises several new categories, including those young entrepreneurs and environmental management in addition to ten others rewarding emerging companies, excellence in employment, exporting, manufacturing, innovation & strategy, service delivery, tourism, workplace safety and community contribution. The Westpac Manukau Business of the Year and the Westpac Manukau Small Business of the Year will be selected from the winners of these categories.

Sponsors of the Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards include the Wiri Licensing Trust, Brookfields Lawyers, EMA, COGITA, Auckland International Airport Limited, Prince & Partners, Hubbard Foods Ltd, ACC and the Manukau Community Foundation. Manukau City Council and Westpac are the major sponsors of these awards, which are delivered on behalf of the council by Enterprising Manukau. Manukau City Council began the awards 16 years ago to recognise, encourage and assist business growth and development.

Business managers and owners interested in entering the awards should visit www.bizawards.co.nz or phone 09 262 2244.

ENDS

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