Health IT takes Kiwi firm the distance

Air NZ Cargo Auckland Export Awards winners announced.

Improving patient health through developing software that integrates
their records from a range of practitioners is the business of the 2008
Auckland Exporter of the Year - Orion Health.

The Kiwi company's export growth makes it stand out among a record
number of entries in the Air New Zealand Cargo Auckland Export Awards
2008, says awards organizer, Export New Zealand's Auckland regional
president, Lyall Pacey.

The winners are announced at a gala dinner at the Hyatt Regency Auckland
hotel tonight (Friday), but they are not to be contacted until after the
awards ceremony.

The winners in all four categories are:

Mondiale Freight Services Auckland Exporter of the Year (at least 20 per
cent of revenue is from exports, administered from Auckland, and with
outstanding foreign exchange growth)

* Orion Health Ltd -provides healthcare solutions and software
which are used to help deliver improved patient care and support
clinical decision making across healthcare facilities, organisations and
regions, Mt Eden. Contact: Amanda Ivanson, ph 638 0621

Other finalists in the category were:

* FrameCAD Solutions Ltd - end to end integration of design,
detailing and manufacture of steel framing for the rapid construction of
commercial and residential buildings, Parnell

* Endace Measurement Systems Ltd - IT solutions that capture,
inspect and report on every aspect of customers' networks, eg, monitors
the performance of financial transactions and voice IP and inspects
Internet traffic, Manukau City central
* A-Ward Attachments Ltd - designs and manufactures equipment for
the demolition, recycling and construction industries, eg, specialised
excavator attachments and loaders, Penrose

DB Breweries Auckland Emerging Exporter of the Year Award (exporting for
less than three years)

* Euro Corporation Ltd - wire fencing design and manufacture, East
Tamaki. Contact: Randal McKenzie, ph 271 1627

Other finalists in this category were:

* Egg Partnership - design and export of high-end maternity wear,
Auckland City central
* CPS (NZ) Ltd - supplier of pressure gauges and pressure
calibration equipment, Onehunga

* GMP Pharmaceuticals Ltd - one-stop shop for nutraceutical
requirements including restricted animal products, halal certified
products and organic foods, East Tamaki

QBE Insurance Consultants and Services Export Award (consulting services
to offshore clients or support to New Zealand export businesses)

* Beca Group Ltd - professional services in architecture,
engineering, planning, project management, surveying and valuations to
clients globally, Auckland City central. Contact: Candice Elgar, ph 300
9285

Other finalists in this category were:

* Viisibility Systems Ltd - assists exporters by improving the
customer service experience, eg, provides up-to-date information on
customer transactions, Penrose
* Marinescape Projects Ltd - designs and builds large aquariums,
Grey Lynn
* The Sweet Shop - media production company, Eden Terrace

Ports of Auckland Deal of the Year (closing a successful export deal
securing a strong market position)

* Flotech Ltd - designs, manufactures, installs and services
customised plant, eg, heat transfer equipment, Mangere. Contact: Suzie
Broadbent, 021 567 895

Other finalists in the is catgegory were:

* Marinescape Projects Ltd - aquarium design and build, as above
* BCS Group Ltd - materials handling and plant automation, eg,
baggage and materials handling in airports, Albany

Exporter of the Year, Orion Health, has been exporting for 15 years and
has grown staff numbers from five to 300 worldwide.

Now, 82% of the company's revenue comes from export sales in North
America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. The company is
growing at 20-40% per year, enabling it to invest in research and
development and generate new jobs at its headquarters, and development
hub, in Auckland.

Convenor of the 11 judges Hugh Cronwright, general manager New Zealand
of Yetimo Marketing Ltd says, "Orion Health CEO Ian McCrae established
the company in 1993 and it is now the largest NZ owned software exporter
in the country. Orion Health is enjoying steady growth in what is a $70
billion total market, and is clearly a credit to New Zealand.

"Euro Corporation is recognized as an industry leader in wire fencing
solutions and has worked hard to earn the respect of the international
wire market with its uncompromising standards, in both manufacture of
their products and their dedication to customer service.

"Their continuous investments in people, plant and technology are what
have taken them to the cutting edge of the global wire fence market.

"Flotech epitomizes the Kiwi export spirit. In a little over 20 years it
has become a major player and world leader in supplying NZ designed and
fabricated equipment for heat transfer, oil field, refinery and gas
processing , for example. The company has offices in Sweden, Singapore
and Australia .

"Over the past few years Flotech has secured several high profile,
substantial value contracts in compression and biogas. In November
through its subsidiary Green Lane Biogas, it was awarded the Euro 42
million contract to build the world's largest biogas upgrading system in
Germany.

"The Beca Group operates on a truly global basis with 19 offices in
eight countries. Its development of four key strategies has ensured
continued growth of the business. These are its employee ownership
model, partnering with leading international firms, expanding
internationally and pursuing technical excellence and innovation.

"Judges were impressed by Beca's commitment to developing long-term
relationships with clients and the passion for growing exports for New
Zealand."

Mr Pacey says, "Despite the global economic downturn, these often niche
New Zealand companies are cutting it with the best around the world.
They have found what works in a small country like ours, despite skills
shortages and small markets here, and they are not only surviving but
thriving.

"It's certain we have a great future in ideas and communication
evidenced in this range of products and services. They are a showcase of
some of New Zealand's best businesses."