New Award Builds Expat Global Connections

New Award Builds Expat Global Connections

Kiwis living overseas who help build New Zealand’s global connections and business capability are being recognised by a new award announced today by Industry New Zealand, in association with the Kiwi Expat Association (KEA).

The World Class New Zealander Award will be presented each year to an expatriate New Zealander who is making an outstanding contribution to New Zealand’s economic development.

The award will be made for the first time at the Trade New Zealand Export Awards 2003 in Christchurch in June. Nominations are open now.

The number of Kiwis living outside New Zealand is estimated at between 700,000 and a million – around 20% of our population.

“Expatriate networks, such as KEA, can be a potent force in building global connections and promoting New Zealand enterprise, says Industry New Zealand acting chief executive Jonathan Kings.

“Many New Zealanders who live overseas actively assist New Zealand companies by sharing their skills and knowledge, and by opening doors offshore. Their experience and the business opportunities they create are invaluable. The end result is increased foreign exchange earnings and a better standard of living for all New Zealanders. The World Class New Zealander Award highlights how Kiwi expats can and do make a world of difference to New Zealand’s future prosperity.”

The award is part of Industry New Zealand’s World Class New Zealander programme which aims to build a global community of support for New Zealand’s economic growth.

An independent judging panel will consider how award nominees contribute to the internationalisation of New Zealand business and foster Kiwi innovation and enterprise.

Details of the award and nomination forms are available on the World Class New Zealanders website: http:// http://www.nzconnection.govt.nz/award/

© Scoop Media