ExportNZ ASB Central Region Export Awards open for 2026, returning to Wellington with expanded reach

Building on the success of last year’s sold-out Central Region awards, the 2026 event will be held in Wellington at Parliament’s iconic banquet hall on the 11^th of June - continuing the alternating hosting arrangement between Wellington and Palmerston North and highlighting Wellington’s importance to New Zealand’s export economy.

 

Each year the Awards bring together exporters from Wellington, Wairarapa, Horowhenua, Manawatū, Whanganui and now Nelson Tasman to share their progress, reflect on their journey, and stand alongside others building internationally focused businesses from New Zealand.

 

Business Central CEO, Hayley Horan, says the 2026 awards underscore the strength of Business Central’s export presence across the central region.

"Through Business Central - and ExportNZ Central under our banner - we’re seeing first-hand the depth of capability across the region.

 

"The ExportNZ ASB Central Region Export Awards are about backing that ambition and showcasing the strength of the support ecosystem around exporters as they compete on the world stage.

 

"Bringing the awards back to Wellington in 2026, while welcoming exporters from Nelson Tasman for the first time, reflects both the momentum behind exporting and the continued strength of Business Central’s offering to businesses across the central regions.

 

"From food and fibre through to advanced manufacturing, technology and services, exporters across these regions are driving growth, innovation and jobs. These awards give us a chance to recognise that success and shine a light on the people behind it."

 

Delivered in partnership with ASB, the awards celebrate exporters achieving success in international markets and contributing to a stronger, more resilient New Zealand economy.

 

Principal sponsor and judge Mike Atkins, ASB Head of International Trade, says he’s looking forward to this year’s awards.

 

"We are delighted to support the Export Awards again this year and welcome the opportunity to extend entries to the Nelson Tasman region.

 

"It is an opportunity to celebrate the people and businesses taking Greater Wellington, Manawatu, and Nelson Tasman regions to the world.

 

"This year’s judges will have a difficult job on their hands as the region’s export sector is performing strongly, having supported a record $80.9 billion for NZ total annual exports across for the year ending Dec 2025."

 

As part of these awards ExportNZ is also introducing the CentrePort Everyday Heroes Award to the region, recognising the individuals working behind the scenes who play a vital role in supporting export success.

 

ExportNZ Central & Hawke’s Bay Manager, Amanda Liddle says now is the time for exporters to put themselves forward.

 

"Exporting isn’t easy, and the businesses doing it well deserve to be seen. We encourage exporters of all sizes and stages across the region to enter - whether they’re just starting out or have been exporting for decades."

 

The ExportNZ ASB Central Region Export Awards welcome entries from exporters across the following categories:

Entries will be assessed by a panel of experienced exporting specialists to ensure a fair and robust evaluation process.

 

ExportNZ welcomes entries from exporters based in:

Whether just beginning an export journey or operating as an established international business, exporters are encouraged to share their success stories.

 

Entries for the 2026 ExportNZ ASB Central Region Export Awards are now open and close on 17 April. This years refreshed entry process is simpler and streamlined to be faster and more user-friendly, allowing applications to be entered rapidly.

 

Event and entry details, including criteria and awards dinner registration, are available via the ExportNZ website: https://exportnz.org.nz/event/exportnz-asb-central-region-export-awards-2026/