Westpactrust Hi Tech Awards 2002

30-Jul-02

Countdown Begins For The Westpactrust Hi Tech Awards 2002

The NZ Hi Tech Association is pleased to announce the opening of the WestpacTrust Hi Tech Awards for Excellence 2002. All hi-tech companies in New Zealand are invited to submit their entries and nominations for the Awards, which will be presented at the Antarctic Centre in Christchurch on Saturday 2 November. Details of categories, entry criteria, submissions and ticket reservations are now available at www.hitech.org.nz.

Now in its ninth year, the WestpacTrust Hi Tech Awards 2002 have become one of the most prestigious accolades in New Zealand's business community. They are a reflection of the tremendous achievements, innovation and export triumphs increasingly evident within our hi-tech industry.

The WestpacTrust Hi Tech 2002 Awards are celebrating this excellence by providing the opportunity for New Zealand based businesses to win one or more of the 11 award categories being sponsored this year. We are very pleased to have the support of our major partner WestpacTrust this year, sponsor of the Supreme Hi Tech Company of the Year Award.

We are also thrilled to have wonderful support from Microsoft for Software Company of the Year Award, Avnet Electronics Marketing for Electronics Company of the Year Award, and Biolab Ltd for the Biotechnology Company of the Year Award. Also Tyco Electronics, Navman, Morel & Co, Precision Australia, Trade New Zealand, Arrow Components, Industry New Zealand, Canterbury Development Corporation and media partners NZ InfoTech and the Christchurch Press.

This year's Awards will comprise three events: the Bright Sparks Awards and cocktail function on Friday 1 November, an Industry Forum and lunch on Saturday 2 November followed by the Awards Ceremony dinner in the evening.

"Recent complements of new industry clusters, incubators and government business support initiatives throughout New Zealand have inspired progress and elevated a national pride synonymous with our famous 'can do' attitude," said Phil Holliday, Chairman of the NZ Hi Tech Association. "Often regarded as the Silicon Plains of New Zealand, with new ventures forming around every corner, each creating world-class innovations and many with enormous export potential, we are pleased that Christchurch is again hosting these national Awards."

Every year the awards get more and more popular and so far 2002 is proving no exception with the introduction of new award categories: Hi Tech Exporter of the Year, Small Business of the Year and the Young Achiever Award.

"We are excited to be partnering with our Gold sponsor WestpacTrust again this year, as well as to have the exceptional support from our Silver and Bronze sponsors and Media Partners." continued Mr Holliday.

"As New Zealand's largest business bank, WestpacTrust recognises the importance of a dynamic and vibrant business community. Developing and implementing new technologies is essential for our future which is why we are committed to supporting New Zealand business and excellence in business. We're backing the WestpacTrust Hi Tech Awards because they recognise business innovation and promote excellence in an industry that is vital to New Zealand's economic development," said Julian Nalepa, WestpacTrust General Manager Business.

The deadline for completed Award entries is 5pm, 7 October 2002. Further details and entry forms can be found at www.hitech.org.nz.

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