"The Business Herald has worked hard to develop our Chinese relationships and to lead the way in local coverage of stories such as the infant formula export issue which became such a big story last year."
Speaking about his upcoming trip to China, Dann said: "The aim is to try and add to the understanding of the big stuff that is happening in China, and filter it through a Kiwi lens."
The award is sponsored by the New Zealand China Council, and executive director Pat English said while the media played a critical role in the relationship between the two countries, it faced challenges when reporting about China.
"As the relationship grows, the potential for misinformation increases. The role of intelligent, objective reporting on China cannot be overstated," he said.
"But the language barrier, the cultural barrier, and the cost of travel can make it difficult for Kiwi reporters to find contacts and information, and to develop networks.
"We want more reporters to take an interest in China, and these awards are our way of encouraging that."
New Zealand China Council chairman Sir Don McKinnon said the quality of reporting and analysis submitted to the awards was impressive, demonstrating that New Zealand media's understanding of China's business community, society and culture has become much more nuanced and sophisticated.
"Judges said entries showed a deepening understanding of important issues; balancing a New Zealand view with an attempt to understand and contextualise the view from China," he said.
