Seven outstanding Kiwis are today proclaimed truly world-class, each winning one of the seven categories of the World Class New Zealand Awards.

The awards, presented by Kea New Zealand and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, celebrate some of New Zealand’s tallest poppies from industries as diverse as fashion and wine through to IT and finance. Winners include internationally acclaimed fashion designer Karen Walker and Craig Nevill-Manning who created the Maori language option for Google’s search engine.

Information & Communications Technology – sponsored by Orion Health
Winner: Craig Nevill-Manning, Director of Engineering Google.
From our sponsor: “Orion Health is proud to sponsor the 2009 Information & Communications Technology Award which not only recognises the innovation and smart technology coming out of New Zealand, but the successful individuals who are contributing to New Zealand’s economy. The World Class New Zealand Awards is a great showcase of how New Zealand businesses are competing on a world-class stage – and we are excited to be a part of that.” Ian McCrae, CEO.

Finance, Investment & Business Services - sponsored by BDO Spicers
Winner: John Buchanan, Chair UK Friends of University of Auckland, Deputy Chair Vodafone Global, Chair Smith & Nephew.
From our sponsor: “As New Zealand’s leading provider of Chartered Accounting services to midmarket and SME businesses, BDO Spicers understands the importance of recognizing excellence from New Zealand’s leading business people. Our involvement with Kea’s World Class Awards gives our network greater knowledge and understanding of the work New Zealanders are doing in the Finance, Investment and Business Services arena in all corners of the globe.” Diana Simpson, Marketing Manager.

Creative Industries - sponsored by Absolutely Positively Wellington
Winner: Karen Walker, Fashion Designer.
From our sponsor: “New Zealanders are abundantly creative, whether they are flourishing in New Zealand or offshore; the Wellington City Council is a passionate supporter of Kiwis succeeding in the Creative sector.” Kerry Prendergast, Mayor of Wellington.

Research, Science, Technology & Academia - sponsored by the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology
Winner: Peter Hunter, Director of Bioengineering, University of Auckland, Head of Physiome project.
From our sponsor: “The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology are proudly sponsoring the 2009 World Class New Zealand Awards to recognise Kiwi innovation in research, science, technology and academia. The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology is the largest of the public sector investment agents for research science and technology. We manage investments of approximately $450 million a year – amounting to nearly 70 per cent of the government’s investment in research and development. We work with research organisations, universities and businesses to maximise the benefits of their research for New Zealand – economically, socially and environmentally.” Jill Rolston, Senior Communications and Marketing Advisor.

Manufacturing - sponsored by Enterprising Manukau
Winner: Jane Hunter, Owner, Managing Director, Viticulturist Hunter Wines.
From our sponsor: ”Driving a progressive, proud and profitable business community in Manukau, assisting in the development of well paid jobs and employment opportunities is what we are about, and exposure to networks and connections ensuring that all businesses win from these activities is why we fully support the Manufacturing Sector of the World Class New Zealanders Awards.”
Gaelle Deighton, CEO.

Biotechnology - sponsored by Ernst & Young
Winner: Ray Avery, Founder and CEO of Medicine Mondiale.
From our sponsor: “Ernst & Young is delighted to be a sponsor of the World Class New Zealander awards and specifically the Biotechnology award. For New Zealand this industry sector represents an investment in the future of New Zealand business and provides an opportunity for New Zealand intellectual capital to be recognised as truly making a difference on the world stage.” Jon Hooper, Head of Ernst & Young Biotechnology & Health Sciences.

New Thinking - sponsored by Gen-i
Winner: Phillip Mills, Founder Les Mills International.
From our sponsor: ”The Kea and WCNZ Network provide an amazing opportunity for Gen-i to support and work with the huge collective knowledge that Kiwis within the network possess. By working together we can assist our clients, our mutual networks, and contribute to the future health of the New Zealand economy.” Simon Brown, Sales Manager at Gen-i.

Supreme Award – the winner for 2009 will be announced on the night of the Awards and the Prime Minister will present the award. Last year’s Supreme Award winner was Peri Drysdale from Untouched World.

[Source - Kea New Zealand]

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