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New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) has launched a revised awards programme designed to recognise the best of New Zealand business in international markets.

The New Zealand International Business Awards have evolved from the New Zealand Export Awards, last held in 2007, and reflect the changing ways New Zealand companies do business internationally. The winner of the Supreme Award will receive a prize of NZ$100,000, to be used to further its growth internationally. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) has launched a revised awards programme designed to recognise the best of New Zealand business in international markets.

The New Zealand International Business Awards have evolved from the New Zealand Export Awards, last held in 2007, and reflect the changing ways New Zealand companies do business internationally. The winner of the Supreme Award will receive a prize of NZ$100,000, to be used to further its growth internationally. Tim Gibson, chief executive of NZTE says, "Despite the tough economic environment, there are inspirational business stories to be told. These are New Zealand businesses operating around the world - and bringing vital dollars back into our economy. The Award programme will provide an opportunity for businesses to receive feedback and advice, to benchmark themselves against other businesses and to participate in valuable networking opportunities."

NZTE decided to review the New Zealand Export Awards on the recommendation of the 2007 judges.

"The feedback was that after 40 years the Export Awards needed to be changed to reflect the different ways New Zealand businesses now operate internationally. The New Zealand International Business Awards programme builds on the legacy of the Export Awards and recognises there are many different ways a business can succeed in international markets," says Tim Gibson.

NZTE and Business New Zealand are looking at opportunities to align the New Zealand International Business Awards with the regional export awards in subsequent years, to allow progressive recognition (from regional to national level) of the contribution businesses make to growing New Zealand's economy.

New Zealand businesses operating successfully internationally, exporting products and services and investing in growth in international markets, are invited to enter the Awards now at www.nzte.govt.nz/awards

The New Zealand International Business Awards will both acknowledge and encourage success by providing value to all entrants. In addition to the $100,000 Supreme Award prize, the Awards feature an evaluation programme that will provide feedback to businesses on areas they can work on to become even more competitive.

Award categories include:

Best business (small, medium and large) operating internationally
Most innovative international business model
Best use of design in international business
Best commercialisation of intellectual property in international business
Best use of research and development in international business.
The Supreme Award will be presented to an overall winner that has stood out across all of the above categories.

The Awards will also recognise an emerging and an outstanding business leader who has made a significant contribution to business internationalisation.

Entries in the inaugural Awards close on 31 March and the winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony dinner on 30 September 2009. Entry forms and more information about the Awards are available from www.nzte.govt.nz/awards

13/02/09