Mike Atkins (ASB), Dimity McNamee (EMA), Ian Macrae (Page Macrae) and Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale at last night's launch.
Entries are now open for the 2026 ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards.
The awards gala will be held on August 7 at Mercury Baypark in Mount Maunganui, celebrating the achievements of Bay of Plenty businesses exporting goods and services to global markets.
ExportNZ BoP Executive Committee chairman Warwick Downing said the event was a platform to recognise outstanding businesses, and a prime opportunity for networking and knowledge-sharing.
“These awards shine a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible exporters in the Bay of Plenty who work tirelessly to bring New Zealand products and services to the world.
“Equally important is the opportunity they provide to bring the exporting community together, to share stories, challenges, and insights that help drive the sector forward.”
Greg Jarvis, founder/director of Bluelab and an awards judge, said the awards underscored the importance of recognising success in the region.
“The Bay of Plenty has a rich history of innovative and forward-thinking exporters who have built a reputation for excellence on the global stage.
“These awards are a chance to celebrate that success while also fostering a culture of learning, community and connection across the BOP export sector.”
The awards are organised by the EMA on behalf of ExportNZ. EMA head of membership & export, Simon Devoy, said the awards highlighted the dedication and skill of the people who drove this success.
“ExportNZ is proud to recognise the Bay of Plenty’s role in bolstering New Zealand’s export sector,” he said.
“The theme of the awards gala ... is On The World Stage. It promises to be a night of celebration and fun.”
A mowing company that started in the 1980s and achieved its international aspirations, walked away with the top award at last year’s Bay of Plenty Export Awards.
Trimax Mowing Systems was named Exporter of the Year 2025.
Trimax Mowing Systems, which is based in Greerton, designs and manufactures tractor-powered roller mowers for commercial use.
Judges said they were impressed by Trimax’s continued commitment to innovate and grow in a niche but hugely valuable market.
This year’s event - organised by the EMA and ExportNZ, in partnership with NZTE – is supported by principal sponsor ASB, as well as Air NZ Cargo, Port of Tauranga, Zespri, Page Macrae and Sharp Tudhope.
Mike Atkins, head of trade finance at ASB Bank, says, “We are delighted to once again partner with the ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards in 2026, building on the strong success of last year’s event. ASB is proud to support and celebrate the exporters who are driving growth, innovation, and international success for the region.”
“At ASB we are passionate about enabling exporters to scale up, be it through working capital and debt capital funding or other advisory initiatives across productivity, sustainability, food and fibre.”
The awards feature five categories, including the coveted Exporter of the Year, and are judged by a panel of experienced export specialists from ExportNZ, NZTE, and ASB.
The award categories are:
Air NZ Cargo Best Emerging Business: Celebrating early-stage export success.
Port of Tauranga Excellence in Innovation: Acknowledging businesses that have successfully commercialised innovation internationally.
Zespri Unsung Export Hero – Outstanding Individual Contribution: Honouring an individual who has made a significant material contribution to export growth - often behind the scenes.
Page Macrae Service to Export: Recognising the significant and sustained contribution of an individual or organisation to exporting success.
Sharp Tudhope Exporter of the Year: Recognising established businesses with a strong track record in export markets.
Key dates for the 2026 awards:
March 26 – Launch & entries open; tickets go on sale
June 8 – Entries close
July 10 – Finalists announced
August 7 – Awards gala
Businesses looking to enter the awards or purchase tickets can visit www.bopexportawards.co.nz.