Celebrating Export
An evening of celebration brought to you by Export Southland in partnership with DHL.
Celebrate local businesses, people and innovation helping take Southland to the world.
This unforgettable evening will shine a spotlight on the remarkable individuals and businesses that drive our region’s growth and success. We’ll celebrate their dedication and innovation, and you could be one of them!
Winners Announced!
Award Categories
Rio Tinto | NZAS
Innovation in
Export Award
The Innovation in Export award is a special award to recognise a Southland business which displays outstanding innovation in the exporting industry.
Innovation is not just inventing. It can include anything genuinely innovative; product or service, leadership, positioning or branding, marketing, sales channels, technology, creative pricing strategy or similar that is distinctly different and differentiates their business.
The winner of this award will illustrate how innovative strategies and practices have contributed to exporting success and applicants are asked to describe how their enterprise has invested in developing innovative thinking, products, services, initiatives, processes, or a business model that has been integral to the enterprise’s success or establishment.
Export Southland
Grant
2026
This grant supports Southland businesses in their export endeavours, encouraging sustainability and growth and international development. Funding may support activities including expansion, training, promotion, education, research and development within the export sector.
Over the years grants have assisted many local export businesses in developing their products and growing into international markets.
DHL
Southland Export
Mentorship
With extensive experience in the export sector, DHL is committed to sharing their insights and expertise to help the recipient grow professionally and personally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers
Who is eligible to enter?
Any Southland-based business involved in or supporting the export sector is eligible to apply.
See full FAQ for detailed eligibility requirements.
Do I need to be a Southland Business Chamber member to apply?
No, businesses do not need to be members of the Southland Business Chamber to apply.
How much does it cost to enter?
There is no cost to enter the Export Awards.
When do applications close?
Applications close at 4.00pm on 17 July 2026.
Export Gala - Southland to the World
The finalists and winners will be celebrated at the Export Gala- Southland to the World on 4 September 2026, held at The Ascot Park Hotel.
Guests will enjoy:
🌟 A world stage worthy dining experience featuring a menu showcasing the finest of the region’s produce, accompanied by complimentary beverages for your enjoyment.
🌟 Prepare to be entertained by local favourites El Scratcho bringing energy to the celebration.
🌟 Inspiring stories from Southland businesses and exporters making an impact on the world stage including insights from a keynote speaker.
🌟Throughout the evening, we will recognise outstanding achievements including the presentation of the RioTinto NZAS Innovation in Export Award, Export Southland Grant, and DHL Mentorship aimed at fostering future leaders in the export industry.
🌟In 2020, the Graham Dick Memorial Trophy was established and again we will be privileged to present this trophy to a Southland recipient in recognition of their service to export in Southland.
Tickets on sale now.
Brought to you by Export Southland in partnership with DHL
“DHL Global Forwarding is delighted to again be playing a major part in the prestigious Export Gala – Southland to the World awards function later this year. The Southland region continues to maintain the “just get on and do it” mentality and we are privileged to play our part in helping Southland exporters get their product to market, as well as provide advice and support to the up and coming start ups and new businesses alike, looking to break into the export arena. We are excited for the future of Southland and we look forward to seeing Southland on display at the gala dinner.”
All enquiries please contact events@southlandchamber.co.nz or phone 03 218 7188.
previous AWARDS
With thanks to our sponsors
Brought to you by
Partnered with
Principal Sponsor
Supporting Sponsor
Graham Dick Memorial Trophy
Brought to you by
Partnered with
Principal Sponsor
Supporting Sponsor
Graham Dick Memorial Trophy