Finalists include businesses creating health ingredients from everyday foods, companies developing software and systems used in cinemas, hospitals and airports, and firms manufacturing refrigerators, heaters, magnets and baggage handling systems.
NZTE has announced 27 companies are finalists in the 2012 New Zealand International Business Awards, which recognise the myriad of ways companies now do business globally.
Finalists include businesses creating health ingredients from everyday foods, companies developing software and systems used in cinemas, hospitals and airports, and firms manufacturing refrigerators, heaters, magnets and baggage handling systems.
Winners of seven categories at the awards, which are run by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and strategic partner ANZ, will be announced on Wednesday 21 March.
“This year’s finalists are using our country’s world class technology, reputation and skills to develop high value brands and push out into new markets. These are ambitious, internationally focused businesses that New Zealanders should be proud of,” NZTE chief executive Peter Chrisp said.
David Green, managing director, Institutional New Zealand at ANZ, said New Zealand companies were capitalising on the growing global demand for diversity of products which New Zealand produces well.
“While global economic confidence has declined, our export growth is evidence of a domestic economy which is favourably positioned for global trade flows. The 2012 finalists reflect New Zealand's progressive move away from our traditional markets.
“Historically, 80 percent of our exports went to Europe and the Americas, the majority to the United Kingdom. We now have a fast growing market closer to our own shores, with around two-thirds of all exports going to Asia, Australia and the Pacific, opening up new opportunities for growth.”
General category finalists
Best Business Operating Internationally – Under $10m
• ASPEQ (Wellington)
• BioVittoria (Hamilton)
• Energy Mad (Christchurch)
• Escea (Dunedin)
• Fastmount (Auckland)
Best Business Operating Internationally – $10m-$50m
• Altitude Aerospace Interiors (Auckland)
• Canary Enterprises (Hamilton)
• EasiYo Products (Auckland)
• Les Mills International (Auckland)
• Trilogy Advanced Natural Skincare (Wellington)
• Triodent (Katikati)
• Vista Entertainment Solutions (Auckland)
Best Business Operating Internationally – Over $50m
• BCS (Auckland)
• Buckley Systems (Auckland)
• Christchurch Engine Centre (Christchurch)
• Downer NZ (Tauranga)
• Orion Health (Auckland)
• Rakon (Auckland)
• SKOPE (Christchurch)
• Tait Electronics (Christchurch)
• Westland Milk Products (Hokitika)
Special Category Finalists
Supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation
Best Use of Research and Development in International Business
• Downer NZ (Auckland)
• Energy Mad (Christchurch)
• Seperex (Dunedin)
• Technopak (Auckland)
• Westland Milk Products (Hokitika)
Best Commercialisation of Intellectual Property in International Business
• Burger Fuel (Auckland)
• Everedge IP (Auckland)
• Westland Milk Products (Hokitika)
Best Use of Design in International Business
• ASPEQ (Wellington)
• Canary Enterprises (Hamilton)
• Energy Mad (Christchurch)
• Sistema Plastics (Auckland)
• Triodent (Katikati)
Most Innovative Business Model in International Business
• Burger Fuel (Auckland)
• Energy Mad (Christchurch)
• GMP Pharmaceuticals (Auckland)
