The ExportNZ ASB Central Region Export Awards have officially opened for 2026, returning to Wellington and expanding their reach to include exporters from the Nelson Tasman region for the first time.
Run by Business Central in partnership with ExportNZ and principal sponsor ASB, the awards will be held on 11 June 2026 at Parliamentโs iconic banquet hall in Wellington. The event continues its alternating hosting arrangement between Wellington and Palmerston North, underscoring the capitalโs role in New Zealandโs export economy.
Building on last yearโs sold-out Central Region awards, the 2026 programme will bring together exporters from Wellington, Wairarapa, Horowhenua, Manawatลซ, Whanganui and, for the first time, Nelson Tasman to share their progress and celebrate international success.
Business Central CEO Hayley Horan says the awards highlight the scale and depth of exporting capability across the region.
โThrough Business Central – and ExportNZ Central under our banner – weโre seeing first-hand the depth of capability across the region.
โThe ExportNZ ASB Central Region Export Awards are about backing that ambition and showcasing the strength of the support ecosystem around exporters as they compete on the world stage.
โBringing the awards back to Wellington in 2026, while welcoming exporters from Nelson Tasman for the first time, reflects both the momentum behind exporting and the continued strength of Business Centralโs offering to businesses across the central regions.
โFrom food and fibre through to advanced manufacturing, technology and services, exporters across these regions are driving growth, innovation and jobs. These awards give us a chance to recognise that success and shine a light on the people behind it.โ
Delivered in partnership with ASB, the awards celebrate exporters achieving success in international markets and contributing to a stronger, more resilient New Zealand economy.
Mike Atkins, ASB Head of International Trade and principal sponsor and judge, says the bank is pleased to continue its support.
โWe are delighted to support the Export Awards again this year and welcome the opportunity to extend entries to the Nelson Tasman region.
โIt is an opportunity to celebrate the people and businesses taking Greater Wellington, Manawatu, and Nelson Tasman regions to the world.
โThis yearโs judges will have a difficult job on their hands as the regionโs export sector is performing strongly, having supported a record $80.9 billion for NZ total annual exports across for the year ending Dec 2025.โ
A new category will also be introduced in 2026, with the CentrePort Everyday Heroes Award recognising individuals working behind the scenes who play a vital role in supporting export success.
ExportNZ Central & Hawkeโs Bay Manager Amanda Liddle says exporters across the region are encouraged to enter.
โExporting isnโt easy, and the businesses doing it well deserve to be seen. We encourage exporters of all sizes and stages across the region to enter – whether theyโre just starting out or have been exporting for decades.โ
Award categories for 2026 are:
- Henry Hughes IP Wellington Excellence in Innovation โ recognising businesses that successfully bring innovative products, services or processes to global markets
- DHL Best Emerging Business โ recognising early-stage exporters with annual turnover of $5 million or less
- Gallagher Insurance Best Established Business โ celebrating established exporters delivering strong returns to the New Zealand economy, typically with over five years in export markets and annual revenue exceeding $5 million
- CentrePort Everyday Heroes โ recognising individuals whose behind-the-scenes contribution is critical to export success
- ASB Exporter of the Year โ the overall award, judged on financial performance, leadership, market excellence and global impact
Entries will be assessed by a panel of experienced exporting specialists to ensure a fair and robust evaluation process.
ExportNZ welcomes entries from exporters based in Greater Wellington, Wairarapa, Horowhenua, Manawatลซ, Whanganui and Nelson Tasman. Businesses at any stage of their export journey are encouraged to apply.
Entries for the 2026 awards are now open and close on 17 April. Organisers say this yearโs refreshed entry process is simpler and more streamlined, allowing applications to be completed more quickly.
Event and entry details, including criteria and awards dinner registration, are available on the ExportNZ website.
