Bay of Plenty exporters are invited to share their successes with the rest of New Zealand in entering the 2017 Bay of Plenty Export Awards.

ExportNZ is wanting to hear how exporters have triumphed over adversity to build a successful business within the Bay of Plenty region.

New Zealand is a trading nation and our exporters are vital to New Zealand's economy, says Regional Manager of ExportNZ Auckland, Waikato & Bay of Plenty, Catherine Lye. And recent global events indicate a move to more protectionist global economies.

"Which is why these awards are crucial as we need to recognise the role of exporters in our country, celebrate their stories and journey so far, and learn how they've overcome highs and lows to succeed in the world of exporting,” says Catherine.

"The very nature of exporting means these operators often have a more significant presence offshore, than onshore, and the awards are an excellent way we can share their success stories, along with the challenges they need to overcome."

For the year ended June 2016 exports of goods and services accounted for 28 per cent (NZ$70.9 billion) of New Zealand's GDP. The goal is to build this to 40 per cent by 2025.

ExportNZ Bay of Plenty has been running the awards since 1990 as part of its mission to champion the value of exporting for New Zealand and New Zealanders.

Entries for the awards are open now and close on Friday May 5.

2017 Bay of Plenty ExportNZ award categories:

- You Travel Emerging Exporter of the Year Award (for those companies new to exporting)

- Beca Export Achievement Award (to recognise an individual's or teams outstanding contribution to a company)

- Page Macrae Engineering Innovation in Export Award (for those companies doing things smarter)

- New Zealand Trade & Enterprise Service to Export Award (recognises an individual's altruistic contribution to the Bay of Plenty export community)

- Sharp Tudhope Lawyers Exporter of the Year Award (for those companies who have been in the export game a while)

The 2017 awards will be presented at a Carnival themed event on Friday June 23 at ASB Baypark, Mount Maunganui.