18 July 2005

Finalists revealed in 2005 Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards

29 businesses, representing the best of the best of Manukau businesses, were named as finalists in the Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards this week.

The companies, which are singled out for their expertise in specific areas of operation, range from small businesses employing less than ten staff, to national organisations.

The Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards received record numbers of entries this year. The diversity, and the calibre of the entrants, left both sponsors and judges very impressed.

“This year’s entries have been of the highest calibre right across the board and demonstrate the diversity and growing strength of our business community in Manukau City. Our finalists are achieving excellence through thinking about their businesses and processes strategically, delivering business, financial and social results,“ says Dave Jones, Westpac Regional Business Manager.

Manukau City is the country’s third largest, and fastest growing city, and it is becoming increasingly popular with those businesses seeking a strategic location, a positive environment for doing business, and a large employment base.

“Manukau City is known as the manufacturing heartland of New Zealand, and continues to set the pace in business innovation,” says Mayor of Manukau, Sir Barry Curtis. “Entrepreneurship is a critical part of our economic well-being and it is very important to recognise successful businesses, and in particular dynamic businesses which are successful despite the odds.” Manukau City’s key drivers are retail and distribution, manufacturing and building, and business services. Gaelle Deighton, who is Chief Executive of the city’s economic development agency, Enterprising Manukau, said she was particularly pleased to see strong entries in those categories. “Our businesses, large and small, are succeeding internationally,” she says. “You only have to look at those listed as finalists in our Export category, to see that.”

The Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards are sponsored by Brookfields Lawyers, Express International Logistics, the Employers &Manufacturers Association (Northern) Inc, Realize Innovation Limited, Westfield Manukau City, Cock & Bull, Kiwi Discovery Limited, ACC, Trust Manukau, Westpac and Manukau City Council.

The Winners of each category, the Supreme Business of the Year, and new inductees into the Hall of Fame, will be announced at the Awards Gala Dinner, a black tie event on the evening of Thursday 18 August at the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre. Companies can book their tickets by visiting www.bizawards.co.nz, or calling Enterprising Manukau on 09 262 2244.

Finalists in the Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards for 2005 are:

Brookfields Lawyers Employer of Choice Award GoldLink Warehousing & Distribution Ltd Cavalier Bremworth Rainbow's End Theme Park Howick & Eastern Buses Ltd

Express International Logistics Excellence in Exporting Award Villa Maria Estate Ltd Simpower Ltd Textile Bonding Ltd

Employers’ & Manufacturers’Association Excellence in Manufacturing Award Cavalier Bremworth Styrobeck Plastics Ltd GoldLink Warehousing & Distribution Ltd Best Bars Ltd

Realize Innovation Limited Excellence in Innovation and Strategy Award Cyrus International Cargo Ltd Renaissance Consulting Villa Maria Estate Ltd Howick & Eastern Buses Ltd

Westfield Manukau City Excellence in Retail Award Judith Whyman Wedding Gowns The Wholesale Nappy Company South Pacific Loans Ltd

Cock & Bull Excellence in Small Business Award Cyrus International Cargo Ltd Simpower Ltd Grace Painters Ltd South Pacific Loans Ltd

Kiwi Discovery Limited Excellence in Tourism Award Visitor services:
- Grange Lodge - Centra Auckland Airport Hotel - ATS Pacific Ltd

Activities and attractions: Villa Maria Estate Ltd Rainbow's End Theme Park

ACC Thinksafe Workplace Safety Award Works Infrastructure Ltd Excell Corporation Ltd

Trust Manukau Business Contribution to the Community Award Nominees are: Crawford Medical Centre Rod Giles - Contract Warehousing Renaissance Consulting Alan La Roche Grace Painters Ltd Noel Robinson Pat and Bernie Taylor - Grange Lodge Motel

ENDS

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