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The World Class New Zealand Awards were established by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) in 2003 to recognise successful 'world class' Kiwis who generously give their time, knowledge and skills to help New Zealand companies and industries succeed internationally. Now in their fifth year, the Awards are one of New Zealand's most important accolades for recognising these individuals.
"We're extremely thrilled to have the opportunity to honour these outstanding 'World Class New Zealanders'. Their ongoing contribution to New Zealand both at home and internationally is enormous. Their individual successes should be seen as an example and guiding light for young Kiwis, looking to pursue careers in business and academia both at home and overseas. It is especially heartening to see the degree to which all the winners have maintained their connections to New Zealand helping to support the growth and development of our country on the international stage," says Stephen Tindall, Chairman, Kea New Zealand.
The Awards recognise contributions across six industry categories:
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Information & Communications Technology
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Creative Industries
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Biotechnology
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Research, Science, Technology & Academia
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Finance, Investment & Business Services
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Manufacturing
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A new category 'New Thinking' has been added in 2008 to recognise an individual who has shown creativity in their approach to meeting global opportunities and challenges. The winner will be someone who has put New Zealand on the world stage by thinking 'outside the square'.
In addition to the seven award categories, a Supreme Award winner will also be recognised.
Nominations for the 2008 Awards have now closed. The Awards were presented at a gala dinner in Auckland on 27 February 2008. Each winner has received a bronze 'Tall Poppy' award designed by Richard Taylor of Weta workshop. The award depicts a stem-like human figure reaching up to carry the weight of a blossoming poppy.
Kea and NZTE would like to thank the Awards sponsors for the significant contribution they make to the success of this prestigious annual event.
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