New Zealand makers of yoghurt and customized shop fit-outs, and a film studio, are doing such good business in China they have been chosen as finalists in the HSBC NZCTA China Business Awards 2013. Entries in the awards were from large corporates as well as small to medium enterprises – and across a range of industries including wine, dairy, honey, architecture and design, education, banking, tourism, TV and film.
“The entries were of such number and high calibre that the judging panel of nine had difficulty separating them," says Graham Kearns, executive director of the New Zealand China Trade Association (NZCTA) says. "The finalists also represent a good cross-section of companies doing business with China and Hong Kong.
“Many New Zealand organisations have successfully established business and investment links with China and that doesn’t come without its challenges.
“It is supremely important for us to recognize the success of NZ-China traders and investors – they are role models for all aspiring importers from and exporters to China including those organisations involved in the "weightless” (services) economy and cross country investment.”
The finalists in each category are:
• Award: KPMG – Creating leverage opportunities through Chinese/NZ business to benefit of NZ Inc
This award recognises organisations whose Chinese/NZ business relationships have created leverage opportunities for others.
Finalists: New Image Group Ltd, Synlait Milk Ltd, UMF Honey Association
• Award: DLA Phillips Fox – Successful investment with China, Inward or Outward
This award is for an organisation that demonstrates innovative and successful NZ/China cross-border investment – inward or outward.
Finalists: Huhu Studios, Synlait Milk Ltd, GDM Group Retail Systems Ltd
• Award: HSBC – Excellence in NZ/China Trade
This award is for companies excelling in growing their product or service sales in China, or increasing their importing and distribution of Chinese-sourced products or services in New Zealand.
Finalists: Alliance Group Ltd, Babich Wines Ltd, Comvita New Zealand Ltd, GDM Group Retail Systems Ltd
• Award: Cathay Pacific Airways – Innovation in the Supply Chain
This award recognises significant investment and innovation in developing a supply chain to increase China/NZ business flows.
Finalists: EasiYo Products Ltd, Alliance Group, GMP Pharmaceuticals Ltd
• Award: Hong Kong New Zealand Business Association – Best use of Hong Kong by a New Zealand company for its business
This award recognises a New Zealand registered company that has a business history with Hong Kong and is growing their business from Hong Kong – preferably but not necessarily into China or wider Asia.
Finalists: Babich Wines Ltd, KVB Kunlun NZ Ltd, Metra Information Ltd
• Award: NZCTA – Supreme Award
This award is decided from all categories listed above.
The Supreme winner will receive a prize valued at more than $20,000, which includes two return business class airline tickets to China, accommodation at a five-star hotel, the use of a BMW vehicle in New Zealand for three months, plus a magnificent trophy.
All businesses are invited to the gala dinner in Auckland on May 30 at the Langham, where they can hear the winners announced and celebrate with hundreds of guests including the Prime Minister John Key, the Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand His Excellency Mr. Xu Jianguo and other diplomatic staff.
The festivities will be hosted by Oscar Kightley, TV presenter, writer and actor from Sione’s Wedding, Sione’s 2 and his new TV cop series Harry.
Gala dinner details:
What: HSBC NZCTA China Business Awards 2013
When: Thursday, May 30, from 6.30pm
Where: The Langham Auckland hotel, Symonds St, Auckland Central
Dress: Black tie/formal
Tickets: www.nzctabusinessawards.co.nz
