Numerous niche and high-tech manufacturers are among the 27 finalists in the 2012 New Zealand International Business Awards, which recognise the myriad of ways companies now do business globally.

Manufacturing finalists include firms designing, making and servicing refrigeration and heating systems, magnets used in electronic goods, dental equipment, storage and packaging solutions, and aircraft engines and baggage systems.

Seven of the eight business leaders who are finalists in two categories that celebrate an emerging and an outstanding leader in international business also have links to manufacturing industries.

Winners of 10 categories at the awards, which are run by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and strategic partner ANZ, will be announced on Wednesday 21 March. Information about the finalists can be found at www.nzte.govt.nz/awards.

NZTE Chief Executive Peter Chrisp said it was fantastic to have 27 businesses representing a wide variety of industries and regions as finalists in the prestigious awards.

“This year’s finalists are using our country’s world class technology, reputation and skills to develop high value brands and push out into new markets. These are ambitious, internationally focused businesses that New Zealanders should be proud of.

“Sharing their stories helps build understanding of what is required to succeed internationally as well as giving us an opportunity to recognise the contribution they’re making to New Zealand,” Mr Chrisp said.

David Green, Managing Director, Institutional New Zealand at ANZ, said New Zealand companies were capitalising on the growing global demand for diversity of products which New Zealand produces well.

“While global economic confidence has declined, our export growth is evidence of a domestic economy which is favourably positioned for global trade flows. The 2012 finalists reflect New Zealand’s progressive move away from our traditional markets.

“Historically, 80 percent of our exports went to Europe and the Americas, the majority to the United Kingdom. We now have a fast growing market closer to our own shores, with around two-thirds of all exports going to Asia, Australia and the Pacific, opening up new opportunities for growth.”

The Ministry of Science and Innovation (MSI) supports four Special Category Awards to recognise excellence in research and development, intellectual property, design, and innovative ways of doing business.

MSI Chief Executive Murray Bain said the Special Category finalists each had a unique story to share about particular aspects of doing business globally.

“However, one of the things they all have in common is that coming from New Zealand, getting noticed on the world stage is a major challenge. I’m proud to say the Special Category finalists have been innovative in getting themselves on the map, and I’m looking forward to watching them continue to develop.”

In addition to celebrating company achievements, the New Zealand International Business Awards recognise people who are leading their businesses to global success.

GENERAL CATEGORY FINALISTS

Best Business Operating Internationally – Under $10m

• ASPEQ (Wellington)

• BioVittoria (Hamilton)

• Energy Mad (Christchurch)

• Escea (Dunedin)

• Fastmount (Auckland)

Best Business Operating Internationally – $10m-$50m

• Altitude Aerospace Interiors (Auckland)

• Canary Enterprises (Hamilton)

• EasiYo Products (Auckland)

• Les Mills International (Auckland)

• Trilogy Advanced Natural Skincare (Wellington)

• Triodent (Katikati)

• Vista Entertainment Solutions (Auckland)

Best Business Operating Internationally – Over $50m

• BCS (Auckland)

• Buckley Systems (Auckland)

• Christchurch Engine Centre (Christchurch)

• Downer NZ (Tauranga)

• Orion Health (Auckland)

• Rakon (Auckland)

• SKOPE (Christchurch)

• Tait Electronics (Christchurch)

• Westland Milk Products (Hokitika)

SPECIAL CATEGORY FINALISTS

 Supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation

 Best Use of Research and Development in International Business

• Downer NZ (Auckland)

• Energy Mad (Christchurch)

• Seperex (Dunedin)

• Technopak (Auckland)

• Westland Milk Products (Hokitika)

 Best Commercialisation of Intellectual Property in International Business

• Burger Fuel (Auckland)

• Everedge IP (Auckland)

• Westland Milk Products (Hokitika)

 Best Use of Design in International Business

• ASPEQ (Wellington)

• Canary Enterprises (Hamilton)

• Energy Mad (Christchurch)

• Sistema Plastics (Auckland)

• Triodent (Katikati)

Most Innovative Business Model in International Business

• Burger Fuel (Auckland)

• Energy Mad (Christchurch)

• GMP Pharmaceuticals (Auckland)

 LEADERSHIP CATEGORY FINALISTS

 Supported by KPMG

Emerging Leader in International Business

• Tony Egan (Auckland)

• Sarah Gibbs (Wellington)

• Keith Oliver (Auckland)

• Bryn Thompson (Christchurch)

• Brian Russell (Auckland)

Outstanding Leader in International Business

• Sir Graeme Douglas (Auckland)

• Neville Jordan (Wellington)

• Tom Thomson (Christchurch)