Entries open today for the 2016 New Zealand International Business Awards, which celebrate the success of New Zealand businesses on the world stage.

This marks the 50th year of the prestigious awards, run by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) with support from Strategic Partner ANZ.

During the last half century some of New Zealand’s most iconic businesses have been inducted into the awards’ hall of fame, including Crown Lynn, Tonka, the Apple and Pear Marketing Board and Gallagher Group.

NZTE’s chief executive Peter Chrisp says the awards celebrate the innovation and a can-do attitude among business leaders.

“The NZIBA celebrates the emergence of these companies and leaders, and all the grit, fortitude and resilience that is required to be successful,” Chrisp says.

“After a long period of liberalisation of New Zealand’s economy, only those companies that are internationally competitive will survive over the long term. Almost by definition, if they are here and succeeding then they have found an international niche within which they can compete”

Entering the awards and going through the judging process takes businesses on a journey of critical analysis.

David Downs, NZTE Convenor of Judges, encourages all companies operating internationally – who meet the eligibility criteria – to enter and share their success stories.

“The reason I love judging these awards is because we get to meet these incredible New Zealand businesses who have achieved phenomenal things on the international stage,” he says.

“The key benefit of entering is the chance to tell your story to a much wider audience – and have people there to listen. It’s about the story of your success, what makes you tick and what makes your company so interesting.”

Last year’s supreme winner, the experiential tourism company Magic Memories, has expanded rapidly since being inducted into the NZIBA hall of fame. Director Geoff Burns says entering is a good process to go through.

“It’s a good learning experience, it encourages you to make sure you can tell your story simply and that you have good validation of the success points along the journey to date, and what that may look like going forward,” he says.

Mark Hiddleston, ANZ New Zealand’s Managing Director Commercial and Agri, says these awards celebrate Kiwis who are taking on the world and winning.

“In doing what they do, these companies and people support job creation and economic growth. They often go on to even greater things, and become the inspiration for others. That’s why ANZ is proud to have been the Strategic Partner of the New Zealand International Business Awards since 2009.”

The awards other sponsors are KPMG, MFAT, Callaghan Innovation, Kotahi, MBIE, Te Puni Kōkiri and Treasury. NZME is the official media partner of the programme.

To enter the 2016 New Zealand International Business Awards, and for more information, visit www.nziba.co.nz. Entries close Friday July 8.