Nominations open for World Class New Zealand Awards

The World Class New Zealand programme, which recognises New Zealand’s most outstanding innovators and entrepreneurs, is now calling for nominations for its prestigious World Class New Zealand Awards.

Now in their tenth year, the annual World Class New Zealand Awards is a New Zealand Trade and Enterprise initiative delivered by Kea New Zealand. The Awards honour exceptional New Zealanders with the expertise and experience to build global connections with New Zealand, foster innovation and entrepreneurship and maximize the global exposure of New Zealand capability.

Previous World Class New Zealand Award winners include multi-Oscar winner Richard Taylor, fashion designer Karen Walker, Trade Me founder Sam Morgan and founder and CEO of Les Mills International, Phillip Mills.

World Class New Zealand director Stephen Dee said the World Class New Zealand Awards are highly revered, and look beyond our shores to showcase New Zealand talent.

“There are a number of New Zealanders both here and around the world who are truly world class – not only are they extremely talented in their field, but they use their influence to build global connections and encourage investment into New Zealand,” he said. “World Class New Zealanders reflect the highest echelons of individual success across business, creativity, science, innovation, technology and other sectors. It is these types of individuals we are seeking to celebrate.”

The seven categories for the 2013 World Class New Zealand Awards are:

• New Thinking

• Life Sciences

• Creative

• Investment & Business

• Information & Communications

• Manufacturing, Design & Innovation

• Science, Technology & Academia

The nominees are evaluated against five main criteria, with a focus on promoting New Zealand internationally, building global connections and facilitating the exchange of information, knowledge and skills domestically and internationally. They will be judged by a panel of six, led by chair of judges John Stace.

In addition, there will be a Friend of New Zealand Award and a Supreme Award, both of which will be revealed at a gala dinner at The Langham Hotel in Auckland on 23 May 2013.

The winners will be presented with the World Class New Zealand Tall Poppy statuette designed by Sir Richard Taylor, 2012 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year, and 2009 winner of the Supreme World Class New Zealand Award.

To nominate your World Class New Zealander visit:

http://www.keanewzealand.com/global/make-nomination