It’s time for exporters to shine and share their success stories.

Judges of the Air New Zealand Cargo ExportNZ Awards 2016 – Auckland and Waikato, are looking for exporters from a range of sectors to enter into this year’s awards.

Exporting is a vital component of New Zealand’s economy, and the day-to-day work of these companies often flies under the radar, says Catherine Lye, Executive Officer of ExportNZ Auckland.

“The purpose of the awards is to celebrate the hard work of our exporters and give them recognition for their ingenuity, innovation and indomitable drive.

“These companies have helped transform our economy. We are a trading nation, and we need to recognise how important and valuable our exporters are. What they do every day, impacts all of us.”

Exports account for 29% of New Zealand’s GDP (NZ$49 billion).

ExportNZ Auckland has been running the awards since 2009, as part of its mission to champion the value of exporting for New Zealand and New Zealanders.

This year, members of the Waikato division of ExportNZ will also be eligible to enter the awards, effectively making it the most significant event for exporters to enter into.

All entrants are members of the EMA. As part of EMA’s membership they are eligible to join ExportNZ. Entries for the awards are now open and close on March 18.

Air New Zealand Cargo ExportNZ Awards 2016

Award categories:            

1. Westpac Exporter of the Year (export revenue over $25million)
2. QBE Insurance Exporter of the Year (export revenue under $25million)
3. BDO Exporter of the Year (export revenue $1million – $10million)
4. Endace Services Exporter of the Year (export revenue $1million – $10million)
5. TNT Emerging Exporter of the Year
6. Baldwins Intellectual Property Best Use of Commercialisation for Export
7. Quantium Solutions Best Use of Digital Strategy for Export
8.        Supreme Winner (selected from the winners of award categories 2-5)
9. Simmonds Stewart Exporters Champion (for exemplary services to export)

ExportNZ Auckland and Waikato are divisions of the Employers and Manufacturers Association. The 2016 awards will be presented at a black-tie gala dinner on Thursday, June 23 at The Langham Hotel, Auckland.