The ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards are making a return in 2025, set to take place on July 18 at Mercury Baypark, Mount Maunganui.
After a hiatus due to the Covid-19 lockdowns, the event is back to honour the achievements of Bay of Plenty businesses that have made an impact on global markets.
Organised by the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) and supported by principal sponsor ASB, the awards bring together key industry players, including Sharp Tudhope, Air NZ Cargo, Page Macrae, Zespri, and Orbit Travel. Supporting partners include NZ Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), Comvita, and Port of Tauranga.
With a 1920s-themed gala, this yearโs event promises a night of elegance and celebration, recognising the resilience, innovation, and success of the regionโs exporters.
Warwick Downing, Chair of the ExportNZ Bay of Plenty Executive Committee, emphasises the importance of the event not only as a recognition platform but also as a prime networking opportunity.
โThese awards shine a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible exporters in the Bay of Plenty who work tirelessly to bring New Zealand products and services to the world,โ says Downing.
โEqually important is the opportunity they provide to bring the exporting community together, to share stories, challenges, and insights that help drive the sector forward.โ
Greg Jarvis, Founder and Director of Bluelab and one of the awards judges, underscores the value of celebrating regional success.
โThe Bay of Plenty has a rich history of innovative and forward-thinking exporters who have built a reputation for excellence on the global stage,โ he says.
โThese awards are a chance to celebrate that success while also fostering a culture of learning, community, and connection across the BOP export sector.โ
Principal sponsor ASB is partnering with ExportNZ for the first time in the Bay of Plenty, reinforcing its commitment to supporting exporters.
โWe are excited to partner with ExportNZ for the first time in the Bay of Plenty, to support the celebration of export champions from the region,โ says Mike Atkins, Head of Trade Finance at ASB Bank.
โAt ASB we are passionate about enabling exporters to scale up, be it through debt capital funding or other advisory initiatives across productivity, sustainability, clean tech, and food and fibre.โ
The Bay of Plenty has long been recognised as a powerhouse of New Zealandโs export industry, producing world-renowned kiwifruit and avocados, as well as high-quality timber and dairy products. The awards, managed by the EMA on behalf of ExportNZ, celebrate the businesses and individuals behind these successes.
Lisa Dean, EMAโs General Manager of Marketing and Communications, highlights the importance of acknowledging the people behind the regionโs export growth.
โExportNZ is proud to recognise the Bay of Plentyโs role in bolstering New Zealandโs export sector,โ she says. โHarnessing the spirit of the โRoaring Twenties,โ the ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards promises to be a night of celebration, fashion, and fun.โ
The awards will feature five categories judged by a panel of export specialists from ExportNZ, NZTE, and ASB:
- Best Emerging Business (Air NZ Cargo): Celebrating early-stage export success.
- Excellence in Innovation (Page Macrae): Recognising businesses that have successfully commercialised innovation internationally.
- Exporter of the Year (Sharp Tudhope): Honouring established businesses with a strong track record in export markets.
- Export Achievement Award (Zespri): Acknowledging an individualโs impact on export growth and profitability.
- Services to Export Award (Orbit Travel): Recognising an individualโs outstanding contribution to exporting.
Key dates
- March 14 โ Launch & entries open; tickets go on sale
- April 18 โ Entries close (5 PM)
- May 9 โ Finalists announced
- May 12-23 โ Judging & site visits
- July 18 โ Awards event
Businesses looking to enter the awards or purchase tickets can visit exportnz.org.nz.
