Finalists announced for 2018 ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards
The finalists for the fourth ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards have been announced and they include three companies from Gisborne.
Finalists are:
- ContainerCo Emerging Exporter: Rock-it Board, Starboard Bio, The Damson Collection, Woodcut Tools.
- Tomoana Food Hub Innovation in Export Award: Pultron Composites, Rock-it Board, Starboard Bio, Woodcut Tools.
- T & G Global Best Medium to Large Exporter: Cedenco, First Fresh, Pultron Composites.
The winner of each category will be announced at a gala dinner at the Napier Conference Centre on Thursday, 2 August, and will contest the ASB Exporter of The Year.
The award for the T & G Global Unsung Hero will be announced on the night.
Winners from the three categories will automatically progress to the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise International Business Awards in Auckland in November. Trade Minister David Parker will open the gala dinner in Napier with comedian and television personality Te Radar as MC for the evening.
In a change from previous years, a pop-up Farmers’ Market will showcase the region’s high-quality artisan producers and offer a unique opportunity for networking ahead of the sit-down dinner created by Dish Catering.
ExportNZ Hawke’s Bay Executive Officer Amanda Liddle said she was delighted to see an increase in entries for the awards and high engagement from Gisborne exporters.
“This is the first time we have opened the awards up to exporters in the Gisborne/Tairawhiti region, and they have embraced the opportunity.”
The head of the judging panel, ExportNZ Hawke’s Bay chairman Alasdair MacLeod, said they had been impressed by the quality and diversity of the entries.
“We’re seeing a really great mix of smaller exporters who are well placed to scale and grow, combined with the large exporters who are making their mark on the world stage.”
All category winners go into the draw to win return flights to Rarotonga, courtesy of awards sponsor Jetstar.
Other sponsors include New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Great Things Grow Here, Napier City Council, Trinity Hill, Te Mata Estate, OPure, Grundy Productions and Panoply.
Tickets to the event are available on the Export NZ website or by contacting Amanda Liddle 027 705 4668