SYOS Aerospace was the major winner at the Tauranga Business Awards, taking out the Supreme Award alongside category wins for Innovation and International Trade.
Judges cited the company’s rapid growth, international reach and commitment to developing high‑performance aerospace technology in New Zealand.
Sam Vye (Syos) and Michael Fox (Zespri). Photo: Salina Galvan
Chief executive Sam Vye says the recognition was a significant milestone for the business and reflected the effort and commitment of the SYOS team.
The Tauranga‑based company designs and manufactures advanced aerospace systems for military and government customers worldwide. Judges acknowledged SYOS for its agility and ability to deliver complex projects at pace, supported by significant manufacturing investment in the region.
They also highlighted the company’s success in securing international contracts while keeping its research, development and manufacturing operations based in New Zealand. The decision to remain in Tauranga while competing globally was identified as a key point of difference.
The company was a leading example of a globally competitive technology business operating from the Bay of Plenty with an ability to attract international talent and demonstrate that advanced aerospace capability can be developed locally, the judges said.
Tauranga Business Chamber chief executive Matt Cowley says a clear theme emerged across the awards, with businesses achieving strong growth in highly competitive markets. He described SYOS as a notable example, pointing to its growth from a small start‑up into an international operator within a relatively short period.
Matt Cowley
The awards highlighted the depth and diversity of business activity across the region, with many finalists and winners having grown from small enterprises into leaders in their respective fields.
The SYOS team regularly works long hours to ensure the company remains competitive internationally, says Vye. The awards provided strong validation that the business was delivering impact and that its approach was being recognised both locally and by customers overseas.
The excellence awards went to: Business of the Year – SYOS Aerospace, People’s Choice Award – Bay Paediatrics, Emerging Business – Archishade, Women in Leadership – Jacinta Horan, Bureta Physiotherapy, Industry Achievement – Collab Digital, Manufacturing – Modcom, Māori/Pasifika Business – JNP Aviation Ltd, Marketing Impact – Nomu Matcha, Innovation – SYOS Aerospace, International Trade – SYOS Aerospace, Supply & Logistics – Container Co, Special Judges Impact Award – Barber Spence.
Tauranga Business Award winners
