NZTE unveils international biz award finalists

Peter Chrisp, chief executive of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Twenty-seven companies from industries as varied as software, fastfood and high-tech manufacturing have been named as finalists in the 2012 New Zealand International Business Awards.

The awards are run by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) with the winners due to be announced on March 21.

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 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," Chrisp said.

Orion Health is one of nine finalists in the category for "Best Business Operating Internationally" with revenue of more than $50 million.

Orion Health chief executive Ian McCrae said the company has always set out to be a global organisation.

"It's the driving force behind everything we do, and it's fantastic to have our success recognised and be in the running for this award," he said.

The company's current focus is on scaling up its international operations, yet remaining headquartered in NZ.

"Supporting New Zealand businesses who operate on a global scale are the key to this country's economic success. We currently employ 300 staff in New Zealand, and globally over 500. We're actively on the lookout for 200 new staff in the next 12 months," he said

Orion Health has direct sales operations in most major developed economies with largest markets being the US, Canada, UK, Spain, Australia and New Zealand.

The company has now turned its attention to less developed markets such as Japan, China, the Middle East and Europe.

Follow the finalists on twitter @nzte-iba or at www.nzte.govt.nz/awards

GENERAL CATEGORY FINALISTS

Best Business Operating Internationally with revenue under $10m:

ASPEQ (Wellington)

BioVittoria (Hamilton)

Energy Mad (Christchurch)

Escea (Dunedin)

Fastmount (Auckland)

Best Business Operating Internationally with revenue between $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 with revenue 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)