Ten standout Bay of Plenty exporters have been named as finalists in the 2025 ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards, set to be celebrated at a dazzling 1920s-themed gala on Friday 18 July at Mercury Baypark, Mount Maunganui.
The prestigious annual event, organised by the EMA on behalf of ExportNZ, shines a spotlight on the region’s top exporters – recognising excellence, innovation and international growth across a diverse range of sectors, from heavy engineering and health tech to legal software and kids’ cycling accessories.
The finalists for the 2025 awards are:
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Bluelab – precision instruments for measuring pH, conductivity and temperature in agriculture
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Carepatron – secure cloud-based software for healthcare professionals
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Kids Ride Shotgun – mountain bike seats and accessories for young children
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LawVu – cloud-based legal operations platform for in-house legal teams
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Medella Health – wellness technology, including the Flowpresso therapeutic suit
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Oasis Engineering – high-pressure control devices for gases
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Plazmax – CNC plasma cutting and robotic welding systems
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Rhino Manufacturing – parts and guards for trucks and trailers
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Spida Machinery – precision machinery for the building industry
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Trimax Mowing Systems – commercial tractor-powered roller and flail mowers
“This year’s finalists reflect the diversity and dynamism of the Bay of Plenty’s export economy,” says John Fraser-Mackenzie, Chief Executive of the EMA.
“The awards celebrate the community of business, providing an opportunity for peer-to-peer networking and knowledge sharing among like-minded, export-oriented companies.”
Celebrating excellence in export
Winners will be announced in the following categories:
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Best Emerging Business (sponsored by Air New Zealand Cargo)
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Excellence in Innovation (sponsored by Page Macrae)
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Exporter of the Year (sponsored by Sharp Tudhope)
Additionally, two individual honours will be presented:
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The Export Achievement Award (sponsored by Zespri), recognising individual contributions to export success. Finalists are Sarah Webb from LawVu and Karl Stevenson from Bluelab.
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The Services to Export Award (sponsored by Orbit Travel), recognising an individual or organisation that has made a significant contribution to the region’s export success. The winner of this category will be revealed on the night.
Regional pride and global ambition
Warwick Downing, Chair of the ExportNZ Bay of Plenty Executive Committee, says the awards are a chance to honour the “incredible exporters in the Bay of Plenty who work tirelessly to bring New Zealand products and services to the world.”
“Equally important is the opportunity they provide to bring the exporting community together, to share stories, challenges, and insights that help drive the sector forward,” he adds.
Mike Atkins, Head of Trade Finance at ASB, principal sponsor of the awards, says supporting exporters is a key part of the bank’s mission.
“We are passionate about enabling exporters to scale up – whether that’s through working capital funding or advisory support across productivity, sustainability, clean tech, or food and fibre.”
Josh Tan, Executive Director of ExportNZ, says the event is a tribute to the hard work and adaptability of regional exporters.
“These awards are a recognition of the incredible mahi of exporters in the Bay of Plenty who continue to deliver excellence. Importantly, they also foster a collaborative culture that nurtures exporting success across the region.”
Tickets are available via the ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards 2025 website.
