Bay of Plenty's leadership qualities are in the spotlight after two of the region's business leaders were shortlisted for the 2013 New Zealand International Business Awards.

Among the 29 finalists are the Paengaroa-based global natural health and beauty products company Comvita chief executive Brett Hewlett and Port of Tauranga chief executive Mark Cairns – both announced in two of the leadership categories.

Port of Tauranga CEO Mark Cairns and Comvita CEO Brett Hewlett are both nominees in this year's New Zealand International Business Awards.

Brett is shortlisted in the KPMG Outstanding International Business leader category and Mark in the KPMG Leader: Outstanding Contribution to International Business category.

Brett has been chief executive of Comvita New Zealand since 2005. Before that he spent 15 years working for world-leading food packaging company Tetra Pak within the eastern Mediterranean and Saudi Arabia.

Brett is also a current member of the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Better by Design Advisory Board and an independent director of US-based Derma Sciences Incorporated.

Mark has been chief executive of the Port of Tauranga since 2005. He oversees 185 full-time staff after serving as chief executive of C3 Limited (formerly Toll Owens Limited) for five years.

Mark is also chairman of North Tugz Limited, Tapper Transport MetroPack Limited, a director of Northport Limited and a board member for Meridian Energy Limited.

Along with the Bay pair, a revolutionary diabetes detection system and a digital DJ software platform are among the unique range of solutions showcased at this year's awards.

Celebrating the passion, vision and new approaches that New Zealand businesses are taking to achieve international success, the awards are run by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and Strategic Partner ANZ.

Other finalists include a business offering 3D modelling technology for use in hydrogeological and geothermal exploration, a company whose handmade educational tools for children are sold in Harrods and MoMa and a business manufacturing precision electro magnets used in touchscreens.

A judging panel featuring some of New Zealand's top business minds scrutinised more than 160 entries across 68 companies before settling on the 29 finalists.

Six business leaders are finalists in two categories that celebrate leadership and contribution in international business.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise chief executive Peter Chrisp says the breadth of finalists from across various New Zealand regions and sectors demonstrates the diversity of this country's business prowess.

'The global economy continues to be tough and these finalists have certainly faced their share of challenges on the road to internationalisation. But through their ambition, skill, flexibility, adaptability and determination, they continue to rise to the challenge and their contribution to the country's export success is invaluable,” says Peter.

'That contribution isn't only measured in revenue - companies may have spent the past year positioning themselves for future growth, growing their share of a particular market, or increasing their brand profile. These are all powerful business growth strategies.”

ANZ New Zealand institutional managing director David Green says a successful export sector is good for business and essential for creating jobs and growth in the New Zealand economy.

'These diverse finalists epitomise this country's exporting strengths and are stand-outs among the inspirational companies and individuals that are succeeding in international markets,” says David.

'In positioning their businesses on the global stage, they're competing and winning in an environment that is challenging and rapidly changing. If mastered successfully, the changes that are incurring, including the rapid growth and urbanisation in Asian markets, provide enormous opportunities for businesses to grow and contribute to New Zealand's success.”

The finalists, together with individuals nominated in the leadership categories, have a nervous wait ahead of the awards ceremony on September 26 in Auckland.

LEADERSHIP CATEGORY FINALISTS

KPMG Outstanding International Business Leader

• Dr Doug Cleverly, Managing Director and Founder, Argenta
• Brett Hewlett, CEO, Comvita

KPMG Leader: Outstanding Contribution to International Business

• John Brakenridge, CEO, The New Zealand Merino Company
• Mark Cairns, CEO, Port of Tauranga
• Chris Kelly, CEO Landcorp (to 30 August)
• Mark Waller, CEO, EBOS

GENERAL CATEGORY FINALISTs

ANZ Best Business Operating Internationally – Under $10m

• ARANZ Geo Limited (Christchurch)
• BurgerFuel Worldwide Limited (Auckland)
• Canterbury Scientific Limited (Christchurch)
• Futrix Limited (Wellington)
• K9 Natural Food Ltd (Christchurch)
• Merlot Aero Ltd (Auckland)
• Seedling New Zealand Limited (Auckland)
• SnapComms (Auckland)

ANZ Best Business Operating Internationally – $10m-$50m

• CRV Limited (Hamilton)
• Gentrack Group Ltd (Auckland)
• JUCY (Auckland)
• Marisco Vineyards (Blenheim)
• Serato (Auckland)
• WhereScape (Auckland)
• Zeacom Group Limited (Auckland)

ANZ Best Business Operating Internationally – Over $50m

• Buckley Systems Limited (Auckland)
• GMP Pharmaceuticals Ltd (Auckland)
• New Image Group Limited (Auckland)
• Synlait Milk Limited (Christchurch)
• Tru-Test Group (Auckland)
• Westland Milk Products (Hokitika)
• Yealands Wine Group (Blenheim)

SPECIAL CATEGORY FINALISTS

International success through the application of innovation, supported by Callaghan Innovation

• Auckland UniServices Limited (Auckland)
• Buckley Systems Limited (Auckland)
• Canterbury Scientific Limited (Christchurch)
• EasiYo Products Limited (Auckland)

Best Commercialisation of Intellectual Property in International Business, supported by James & Wells

• Argenta Ltd (Auckland)
• Auckland UniServices Limited (Auckland)
• GreenButton (Wellington)
• Serato (Auckland)

Most Innovative Business Model in International Business, supported by AUT Business

• JUCY (Auckland)
• New Image Group Limited (Auckland)
• The New Zealand Merino Company Limited (Christchurch)
• Tru-Test Group (Auckland)

Best Use of Design in International Business

• 3i Innovation Limited (Auckland)
• BurgerFuel Worldwide Limited (Auckland)
• Inspired Jewellery Group (Wellington)
• Serato (Auckland)
• Tru-Test Group (Auckland)