Bay of Plenty exporters can take a step into the global spotlight, with entries now open for the 2026 Bay of Plenty Export Awards celebrating excellence, ambition and international success across the region.
Simon Devoy
The prestigious awards gala will be held in August in Mount Maunganui, celebrating the exceptional achievements of Bay of Plenty businesses exporting goods and services to global markets.
The event is organised by the EMA and ExportNZ, in partnership with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
ExportNZ Bay of Plenty chair Warwick Downing says the event is 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,” says Downing.
“Equally important is the opportunity they provide to bring the exporting community together, to share stories, challenges, and insights that help drive
Bluelab founder and director Greg Jarvis, who is an awards judge, says the awards underscore 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,” says Jarvis.
“These awards are a chance to celebrate that success while also fostering a culture of learning, community and connection across the Bay of Plenty export sector.”
From its world‑renowned kiwifruit and avocados to high‑quality timber and dairy products, the Bay of Plenty showcases a diverse range of goods that reach international markets.
EMA Head of Membership and Export, Simon Devoy says the awards highlight the dedication and skill of the people who drive this success.
The theme of the awards gala is ‘On The World Stage’.
The awards feature five categories, including the coveted Exporter of the Year, and are judged by a panel of experienced export specialists from ExportNZ and NZTE.
Award categories: Best Emerging Business: Celebrating early‑stage export success, Excellence in Innovation: Acknowledging businesses that have successfully commercialised innovation internationally, Unsung Export Hero -Outstanding Individual Contribution: Honouring an individual who has made a significant contribution to export growth, often behind the scenes, Service to Export: Recognising the significant and sustained contribution of an individual or organisation to exporting success, Exporter of the Year: Recognising established businesses with a strong track record in export markets.
At the launch of the export awards are, from left Mike Atkins (ASB), Dimity McNamee (EMA), Ian Macrae (Page Macrae), Mahé Drysdale, (Mayor of Tauranga).
