The finalists for the fifth ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards have been selected and they include some of the province’s top companies, including two from Gisborne.

The finalists are:

• ContainerCo Best Emerging Business: LilyBee Wrap (Napier), eco-friendly food wraps manufacturer; Phoenix Firepumps (Tikokino), portable fire pumps manufacturer; SL Racing (Taradale), rowing boat manufacturer.
• Tomoana Food Hub Excellence in Innovation: Waimarama Maori Tourism (Waimarama), tourism operator; IMS (Napier), engineering and helicopter equipment specialists; Trinity Hill Wines (Hastings), winemaker; Phoenix Firepumps (Tikokino), portable fire pumps manufacturer.
• T & G Global Best Medium to Large Business: First Fresh (Gisborne), citrus, persimmon and kiwifruit grower; PetfoodNZ (Gisborne), canned pet food manufacturer; Re-Leased (Napier), commercial property management software developer.

The winner of each category will be announced at a gala dinner at the Napier Conference Centre on 1 August and will contest the ASB Exporter of The Year. The winner of the T&G Global Unsung Hero will also be announced on the night.

Winners from each category will progress to the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise International Business Awards in Auckland in November.

Comedian Te Radar will be the MC for the evening.  The event will also be showcasing craft brewers and cider makers as a nod to the region’s growing craft brewing industry.

Entries were open to exporters from Gisborne to Pahiatua.

The judging panel includes New Zealand Trade and Enterprise board member Wayne Norrie, ASB Head of International Trade Mike Atkins, Jenny Brown of Callaghan Innovation and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Customer Director Dan Taylor.

Mr Norrie said they had been very impressed by the quality of the entries, which meant they had a difficult job.

“There was a wonderful mix and some great companies missed out because of the quality of entrants. We know the overall winner will be able to stand tall with the best in the country.”

ExportNZ Hawke’s Bay Executive Officer Amanda Liddle said it was clear the judges had their work cut out.

“The innovation and sheer hard work on display was as good as any of the four previous awards.

“We’ve been really thrilled with the entries, with a great cross section of industries, including technology, tourism, wine – of course – and manufacturing. And Gisborne has two finalists in the T&G Global Best Medium to Large Exporter section, which is great in just the second year that the region has been included.” Last year’s winner, Cedenco Foods, is from Gisborne.

Mike Atkins of ASB said the company was delighted to be able to partner with ExportNZ in celebrating Hawke’s Bay exporters, and it was extremely hard to pick a winner.

“All the finalists are top-class, and that’s what I like about these awards – they showcase the best of the Bay.”

Peter Landon-Lane, Chief Operating Officer of T&G Global said the awards continued to show it didn’t matter how big or small companies are to succeed.

“There is a great mix of smaller exporters who are well placed to scale and grow, and we are proud to again be part of an event that pits companies of all sizes against each other.”

Singapore Airlines is among the new sponsors this year, and one of the lucky finalists will win a return trip for two to Singapore.

General sponsors of the gala evening are Hawke’s Bay Airport and Napier Port. Other sponsors are Great Things Grow Here, Napier City Council, Grundy Productions, Trinity Hill, Singapore Airlines, OPure, Business Hawke’s Bay, and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

ExportNZ Hawke’s Bay is overseen by Business Central, which represents about 3500 employers across the lower North Island. It provides employer, health & safety, and human resources advice, and advocates policies that reflect the interest of the business community.

Tickets to the event go on sale today on the Export NZ website: exportnz.org.nz

Contact: Amanda Liddle

Phone: 027 705 4668

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