WABA - Central

Tuesday, 26^th August, 2014

Business Awards highlight the diversity of business activities lifting Auckland’s competitiveness

Last night saw the announcement of 21 Central Auckland-based companies as finalists in the Westpac Auckland Business Awards 2014 – Central.

Auckland Chamber of Commerce CEO Michael Barnett believes the true diversity of Auckland’s economy and the advantages it brings to the region is starting to be reflected in the Business Awards.

“Businesses which were attracted to enter the awards this year range from global and well-established companies to new local enterprises that started in the founders’ garage or basement. They are diverse in size, industry sector, and management style. All of them contribute to the thriving Central Auckland business community and to Auckland’s economic success,” said Barnett.

“We really are seeing a strong trend in how this diversity across our business sectors suggests wider opportunities for businesses to succeed in the Auckland region.”

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) partners the Chamber to present the Awards. ATEED chief executive Brett O’Riley says: “We congratulate all of the Central area finalists on their achievement. The level of innovation and excellence demonstrated by this year’s entries is what we need to help transform Auckland to a technology driven export-led economy.

“ATEED’s Central team works with partners to grow the area’s high-tech innovation with initiatives such as GridAKL – Council’s innovation precinct at Wynyard Quarter for ICT and digital media companies – which is up and running.”

“Congratulations to the finalists in this year’s Central Auckland Business Excellence Awards. Their achievement is testament to their outstanding contribution to the Central Auckland economy and courage to be excellent”, says Simon Power, Westpac GM Business Banking, Private Wealth and Insurance.

The regional Awards, hosted by Auckland Chamber of Commerce with the support of ATEED offer businesses a chance to be rewarded for their excellence, to share their stories and their successes.

The Central Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony will be held at The Langham Auckland on 13 November. More details about the regional Westpac Auckland Business Awards can be found at www.aucklandbusinessawards.co.nz.

For more information contact Michael Barnett, mobile: 0275 631 150.
Michael Barnett, Chief Executive, Auckland Chamber of Commerce.