An outstanding cross-section of New Zealand companies have made it through as finalists in the 2016 Air New Zealand Cargo ExportNZ Awards for Auckland and Waikato.
From household names to start-up businesses, judges have been impressed with the calibre of entries received this year, especially as this is the first time the awards have been opened up to Waikato enterprises.
Overall, there are 25 finalists in seven categories (see below).
“I’m delighted with the diverse range of finalists we have in this year’s awards. We have a mix of service industries and manufacturers. These awards are designed to give recognition to our exporting community, and acknowledge the hard yards they have put in to help transform our economy. This year’s awards will showcase a cross-section of some of our most ingenious and innovative businesses,” says Catherine Lye, ExportNZ Manager Auckland, Waikato & Bay of Plenty.
The 2016 awards will be presented at a black-tie gala dinner on Thursday, June 23 at The Langham Hotel, Auckland.
Air New Zealand Cargo ExportNZ Awards 2016
2016 finalists for the Air New Zealand Cargo ExportNZ Awards
Award category 1:
Westpac Exporter of the Year (export revenue over $25 million)
1. Gallagher Group Ltd are renowned for innovation and marketing of animal management, security, fuel systems and contract managing solutions. [Waikato]
2. Hobbiton Movie Set Tours provides a fascinating two hour guided tour of the set used for filming The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies which has experienced spectacular growth in visitor number in the past five years. [Waikato]
3. Leigh Fisheries are New Zealand's largest and leading fresh chilled seafood exporter providing a sustainable premium product directly to USA, Europe, Asia and Australia on a daily basis. Working with artisan fishermen nationwide employing the art of long line fishing with the principles of “just in time” process of hook to plate internationally and domestically. [Northland]
4. Vista Group Ltd is the global leader in film industry software solutions. Building on the dominant market position of Vista Entertainment Solutions, Vista Group has expanded to include a number of complementary businesses offering solutions across the wider film industry. [Auckland]
Award category 2:
QBE Insurance Exporter of the Year (export revenue $10 million – $25 million)
1. Auckland Institute of Studies is an independent tertiary education institution offering quality education and strong support services to international students. [Auckland]
2. BBC Technologies are developers and manufacturers of advanced fruit and vegetable processing equipment, specialising in small, delicate commodities such as berries. [Waikato]
3. Bobux International is a baby footwear developer and manufacturer which designs from a foot health first perspective which recognises that while barefoot is best it is not always practical. [Auckland]
4. James Dunlop Textiles is an international converter and wholesaler of premium furnishing fabrics. Established more than a hundred years ago, it has been recognised internationally as a leading premium brand from the Southern Hemisphere. [Auckland]
5. Waikato Milking Systems is a New Zealand success story. Founded in the Waikato in 1967, the company is today one of the leading designers and manufacturers of dairy systems in the world. [Waikato]
Award category 3:
BDO Exporter of the Year (export revenue $1million – $10million)
1. API Consumer Brands is a leading New Zealand developer, manufacturer, supplier, marketer, and distributor of high quality pharmaceuticals, toiletry and cosmetic products. From the two state of the art manufacturing plants they bring to the market the high quality toiletries and over the counter pharmaceuticals and a range of controlled drugs. [Auckland]
2. Dulux Powder & Industrial Coatings NZ with a reputation for quality and service, manufacture in NZ, and market internationally, a comprehensive range of colourful, innovative, and technologically advanced powder coatings. [Auckland]
3. Rayglass Boats was established in 1989 and is a leading manufacturer of high quality power boats, with the Rayglass Legend and the Rayglass Protector being its two key prototypes. [Auckland]
Award category 4:
Endace Services Exporter of the Year (export revenue $1million – $10million)
1. Eagle Aviation Consulting Ltd is an independent consulting firm specialising in commercial aviation advisory and solutions for investors, airlines and governments. [Auckland]
2. ICL Education is a group of education providers offering a range of tertiary business, computing, teaching English as a second language and early childhood education programmes. [Auckland]
3. Keedup Ltd provides a 24/7 service to the international celebrity image business – editing, captioning, keywording and distributing the latest shots from celebrity hot spots such as Hollywood and Cannes. [Auckland]
Award category 5:
TNT Emerging Exporter of the Year
1. Triumph & Disaster is a modern day apothecary and skincare foundry using bespoke aromas and natural blends to deliver a product that’s reminiscent of simpler times. [Auckland]
2. Virsae provides cloud services to allow its clients to manage their technology and communication systems to peak performance levels, so channels remain open and customers can always get an answer. [Auckland]
3. Zealong Tea Estate Ltd produces organically certified tea which is handpicked from New Zealand’s only commercial tea estate. [Waikato]
Award category 6:
Baldwins Intellectual Property Best Use of Commercialisation of Innovation for Export
1. Adept Medical sells a range of ear, nose, radiology, cardiology, neuroradiology and sterilisation service products directly to hospitals. [Auckland]
2. BBC Technologies are developers and manufacturers of advanced fruit and vegetable processing equipment, specialising in small, delicate commodities such as berries. [Waikato]
3. Methven Ltd create amazing water experiences every day with their range of beautifully designed showers, tapware and valves. [Auckland]
4. Quantec Ltd is a biotechnology business focused on capturing value from dairy, through innovation business activities in animal and human health. [Waikato]
Award category 7:
Quantium Solutions Best Use of Digital Strategy for Export
1. Metal Heart Ltd make fashion jewellery from the finest minerals and gemstones, with an emphasis on quality and brand experience. [Auckland]
2. Natural Ringa Company create holistic products that enhance individual beauty and provide rejuvenation of body, mind and spirit. [Auckland]
3. Triumph & Disaster is a modern day apothecary and skincare foundry using bespoke aromas and natural blends to deliver a product that’s reminiscent of simpler times. [Auckland]
Supreme Winner (selected from the winners of award categories 2-5)
Simmonds Stewart Exporters Champion (for exemplary services to export)
8. Supreme Winner (selected from the winners of award categories 2-5)
9. Simmonds Stewart Exporters Champion (for exemplary services to export)
