Finance Professionals 2003 INFINZ Industry Awards

Friday 20th June 2003

Finance Professionals féted at Vodafone 2003 INFINZ Industry Awards

In a year that has seen the vitality of the New Zealand finance and capital markets tested by war in Iraq, the SARS scare, a high kiwi dollar, changing monetary settings, and a host of extraordinary circumstances it was with enthusiasm that the winners of the Vodafone 2003 INFINZ Industry Awards were announced last night (Thursday 19th June) at a celebratory awards dinner held in Auckland.

Paul Hocking, Executive Director, INFINZ said “in some respects it’s been a difficult year for our industry and it is extraordinarily pleasing to be able to present such a high standard of finalists in our industry awards. Each finalist organisation has demonstrated that when conditions get tough, true professionalism remains to the fore,” he said.

“The inaugural industry awards, following on from the official establishment of a professional industry body that represents the markets as a whole (Institute of Finance Professionals New Zealand Inc.) high-lights the maturation process that has occurred within the New Zealand finance and capital markets over the past year,” Mr Hocking said.

Russell Stanners, Director Business Markets for Corporate Partner, and Event Sponsor Vodafone said “Vodafone New Zealand are delighted to sponsor such a high profile event. We recognise the finance industry as a key market that is closely aligned to Vodafone's vision of a mobile future. Our customers in the finance industry are highly mobile both within New Zealand and around the world and need to access key information at key times wherever they are.”

Winners of six awards were announced at the Vodafone 2003 INFINZ Industry Awards, from a group of twenty finalist organisations. The award winners were:

The National Business Review Bank of the Year – awarded to Westpac Banking Corporation

JBWere Best Corporate Communicator – Emerging Leaders – was awarded to Infratil Limited.

Chapman Tripp Fund Manager of the Year – was awarded to Tower Asset Management Limited

First NZ Capital Best Corporate Communicator – Market Leaders – was awarded to Auckland International Airport Limited.
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Asia-Pacific Risk Management Excellence in Treasury – was awarded to Mighty River Power Limited

Vodafone Sharebroking Firm of the Year – awarded to First NZ Capital

Paul Hocking said the establishment of an official form of peer review, as demonstrated by the industry awards was intrinsic to the industry’s self-management, and self-regulation.

“It is just as important to celebrate the success stories in our industry, as it is to rein in those that transgress,” Mr Hocking said.

“Celebrating success is healthy, not only for those who participate within the industry, but also for those who would cast aspersions on the industry’s integrity and professionalism. The Vodafone 2003 INFINZ Industry Awards event has demonstrated in the calibre of the award winners and finalists, that the New Zealand finance and capital markets are populated by skilled talented finance professionals,” Mr Hocking said.

ENDS

Institute of Finance Professionals New Zealand Ltd (INFINZ)

INFINZ was established in 2002, the outcome of the union of two associations; The Society of Investment Analysts, and the Society of Corporate Treasurers. Its mandate is to operate as the industry body for Finance and Capital Market professionals in New Zealand. The organisation’s membership (over 600 and rising) includes professionals in a broad range of disciplines, including sharebroking, funds management, investment banking, consulting, the legal and accounting professions, senior bankers, bank treasuries and dealing rooms, commerce in chief financial officer and corporate treasury roles, government and academia.

INFINZ’s mandate is to promote the proper development, growth and regulation of the financial and capital markets in New Zealand and to ensure their ongoing relevance to domestic and international investors and all market users.

ENDS

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