Hawke’s Bay Export Awards launch for 2026 with ABB announced as new Platinum Sponsor

The ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards are now open for 2026, celebrating the exporters and individuals driving the region’s international success.

This year marks an exciting milestone for the awards, with ABB announced as Platinum Sponsor. ABB steps into the role following its recognition as the 2025 Hawke’s Bay ASB Exporter of the Year - a full-circle moment that highlights its continued commitment to the region’s export community.

Business Central CEO Hayley Horan says the awards reflect both the ambition of Hawke’s Bay exporters and the strength of the ecosystem supporting them.

"Hawke’s Bay exporters are globally competitive, innovative and incredibly resilient.

"Through ExportNZ Hawke’s Bay under the Business Central banner, we see first-hand the capability and drive that exists across this region. These awards provide an important platform to celebrate that success and to showcase the businesses taking Hawke’s Bay to the world.

"Welcoming ABB as Platinum Sponsor - after being named ASB Exporter of the Year in 2025 reinforces the leadership within our export community and the depth of experience here in Hawke’s Bay."

Principal sponsor and judge Mike Atkins, ASB Head of International Trade, says ASB is delighted to support the export awards again.

"It is an opportunity to celebrate the people and businesses taking Hawke’s Bay to the world. There were some amazing stories from the manufacturing sector last year and we are hoping we get to profile more of these along with the regions innovators and change agents."

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

"Exporting takes commitment, courage and consistency. We know there is outstanding export excellence across Hawke’s Bay despite the multiple challenges exporters are facing at the moment and we encourage businesses of all sizes and stages to enter and be part of this year’s celebration."

Award categories

The ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards welcome entries across the following categories:

• Excellence in Innovation

• Best Emerging Business

• Best Established Business

• Service to Export Award

• Unsung Heroes award

• Exporter of the Year

  
  

Entries open today, 25 March, and close on 10 June, with the Gala Dinner to be held on 30 July. Entries will be assessed by a panel of experienced exporting specialists to ensure a fair and robust evaluation process.

Who can enter

ExportNZ welcomes entries from exporters based from Dannevirke, Hawke’s Bay and the Gisborne Tairawhiti region. Whether just beginning an export journey or operating as an established international business, businesses are encouraged to share their success stories.

Entries for the 2026 Hawke’s Bay Export Awards are now open and close on 10 June. This year’s refreshed entry process is streamlined and user-friendly, with most applications taking approximately 15 minutes to complete.

Event and entry details, including criteria and Gala Dinner registration for 30 July, are available via the ExportNZ website.