Napier software developer Re-Leased wins top prize at Hawke's Bay Export awards

ExportNZ Hawke's Bay executive officer Amanda Liddle (second from left, front row), with sponsors and organisers of the event. Photo / Supplied

Napier-based software developer Re-Leased is Hawke's Bay's best exporter.

The company won the ExportNZ Hawke's Bay ASB Exporter of the Year at an awards ceremony on Thursday night.

It won the award because of an awareness of developing a future product set and turning data into meaningful insights and analytics across connected sectors.

Re-Leased also won the inaugural T&G Global Best Medium to Large Exporter Award.

The judging panel included New Zealand Trade and Enterprise board member Wayne Norrie, ASB head of international trade Mike Atkins, Jenny Brown, of Callaghan Innovation, and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise customer director Dan Taylor.

They said Re-Leased stood out from the many strong entries.

They were impressed by the company's technology-agnostic offering, which meant they could co-create with any other partner, as well as their awareness of turning data into meaningful insights and analytics across connected sectors.

The company was up against Phoenix Firepumps and LilyBee Wrap. Phoenix Firepumps were praised for moving from traditional product innovation and traditional markets.

"Phoenix have created a new market space through pioneering new product innovation," the judges said.

They said managing director Mike Harrison was "a visionary for his customers".

They said eco-friendly food wraps manufacturer LilyBee Wrap, of Napier, was riding the eco-wave and had taken the time to understand its consumers, target markets and entry strategies.

"This is a company with a clear vision and purpose, who have created an environment where every voice is heard, ensuring no good idea is missed."

The Unsung Heroes Award, which recognises work done behind the scenes of exporting organisations, was shared by Adele Williams, of PetfoodNZ International, and Megan Williams, of LilyBee Wrap.

ASB's Mike Atkins said the calibre of finalists had again been exceptional across a wide range of industries.

"This is the fifth year ASB has sponsored these awards, and every year we are impressed by the quality of companies that put their names forward."

"Hawke's Bay companies do an amazing job on the world stage and this year's winners continue that tradition."

"We're incredibly proud to play a role in helping Kiwi companies to progress and succeed."

ExportNZ Hawke's Bay executive officer Amanda Liddle said they were thrilled with the entries.

"I want to congratulate the winners and finalists for having the courage to believe in themselves and their teams."

ExportNZ Hawke's Bay is overseen by Business Central. Chief Executive John Milford said he was impressed by the huge interest in the awards and the quality of the entrants.

"They do us all proud as they go about their vital work on the world stage."