Waiariki Institute of Technology has been crowned the 2013 Bay of Plenty Exporter of the Year at the regions 23^rd annual awards last night.

The award was announced at the BNZ Bay of Plenty ExportNZ Awards in front of a 500-strong crowd at ASB Baypark, including Minister of Labour Simon Bridges and One news presenter Peter Williams.

The Waiariki Institute of Technology team pose with the Bay of Plenty Exporter of the Year Award.

Waiariki took out the award at the ahead of Doherty Engineered Attachments and Page Macrae Engineering while long-serving ExportNZ Bay of Plenty president and chairperson Gwenda Merriman was awarded the Zespri International Service to Export Award.

Waiariki Institute of Technology chief executive Margaret Noble says the award and recognition came as a shock despite hold an edge of confidence.

'I think we thought the judging went well, but obviously we were up against some good competition. We didn't know but we were hopeful and shocked to get it.”

She says her team prides themselves on doing a 'fantastic” job in growing an international student base and also looking after them once they arrive at Wairakei.

'All the team are really delighted with the win. I think it's the recognition of the huge growth that has taken place in the last few years and the high levels of satisfaction out international students have.”

Judge Kylie van Heerden says Waiariki is "turning vocational training into an export success - directly generating export revenues".

Waiariki is New Zealand's fastest growing tertiary institute and a key provider in the Bay of Plenty. Based in Rotorua, it also has campuses in Taupo, Tokoroa and Whakatane.

Exports commenced in 1978, and there are now almost 1000 equivalent full-time international students at Waiariki contributing more than $10million in export sales, almost 20 per cent of Waiariki's total revenue.

"Waiariki is carving out a position for itself in a truly global market place, they are attuned to evolving stakeholder requirements, and consciously benchmarking itself against other providers in the sector,” says Kylie.

"They are establishing a global network of agents and partner institutions, and believe that 'word of mouth' advertising is the most effective marketing tool around."

She believes Wairakei is teaching workplace skills critical to the export sector and providing a uniquely New Zealand experience to thousands of young people from around the world.

"With its bicultural approach and multicultural population, Waiariki promotes a holistic commitment to strengthening and supporting Maori and non-Maori students. The enthusiasm, enjoyment and commitment from everyone on the campus is clear to see, and the results speak for themselves."

Gwenda received the service to export award after being involved in ExportNZ Bay of Plenty for 20 years as both president and chairperson along with countless other positions in the region.

She is described as holding a lot of organisational history about ExportNZ and is a very valuable, supportive and stabilising member of the organisation.

Her current roles include Jeffco International export manager, Western Bay of Plenty District Council councillor and Newham Park director.

Western Bay Mayor Ross Patterson congratulates Gwenda on the achievement saying she is a capable and valuable member of the Western Bay District Council.

'She has the ability to see the big picture and has a good understanding of the economic direction within Council.”

Comvita director Alan Bougen says Gwenda was an outstanding passionate advocate for the Bay of Plenty and New Zealand exporting community during her time on the ExportNZ Bay of Plenty board giving her time way over and above the call of duty.

'Gwenda stands as a wonderful example of whole hearted commitment and dedication to the cause and continues to do so to this even in her role as councillor.

United Travel Business: Emerging Exporter of the Year

Winner: SURTEES BOATS

Page Macrae Engineering: Innovation in Export Award

Winner: SWITCHKITES LTD

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic: Export Achievement Award

Winner: BRUCE ENNIS - PAGE MACRAE ENGINEERING

ZESPRI International: Service to Export Award

Winner: GWENDA MERRIMAN

Sharp Tudhope Lawyers: Exporter of the Year

Winner: WAIARIKI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY