The Bank of New Zealand Bay of Plenty Export Awards were celebrated in style at the Energy Events Centre in Rotorua last Friday night.
Guests were guided through the evening as Frankie Stevens, one of New Zealand’s most renowned singers/entertainers, held the role of Master of Ceremonies.
Entertainment included the surprise guest speaker, a member of the New Zealand Special Air Service Group (NZSAS) who had been a heavily guarded secret until the gala dinner reveal, two graceful tissue dancers suspended from the ceiling and music provided by Tauranga band ‘Ultramega OK!’ ended the night with dancing.
Blokart International Limited: Winner of the Page Macrae Innovation in Export Award 2008
Blokart, winner of the Page Macrae Innovation in Export Award, showed not only technical innovation, but also an innovative approach to their marketing strategy, building a worldwide market for a completely new sport.
Tatou International Limited: Winner of United Travel Emerging Exporter of the Year Award 2008 
Rotorua based, Tatou International is the offshore arm of Hells Gate and Wai Ora Spa. Tatou International’s domestic tourism and spa model has grown into an international franchise, proving the company’s ability to deliver a unique product at a truly international standard. Their first international franchise established in Bangkok last year was voted in the Top 5 spas in Thailand.
FIL and Hayes International: Winners of World Class Capability Award 2008
FIL and Hayes International both received silver commendation in this year’s new World Class Capability Award. The award recognised the combination of leadership, systems and process management which has made both companies competitive in their global class markets. 
Oasis Engineering: Winner of Sharp Tudhope Exporter of the Year Award 2008
Oasis Engineering showed the tenacity required of the Sharp Tudhope Exporter of the Year Award. A previous winner of the United Travel Emerging Exporter of the Year Award, Oasis showed the commitment to export growth and demonstrated the ability to improve all areas of their business, to make them truly competitive in the tough export markets.
Bob Sievwright: Winner of Services to Export Award 2008
Trimax Mowing Systems’ Bob Sevwright was the recipient of the Services to Export Award for 2008, the only judging done in secret. Bob joined the celebrations by live v - was skyped in from the UK to accept the award on the night.