The American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2026 AmCham-DHL Express Success and Innovation Awards, the 27th year of these awards celebrating success and innovation for companies doing business with the USA.

AmCham Executive Director, Mike Hearn said that this year we have changed some of the categories to include some of the fastest growing sectors doing business with the USA including space, defence, security, innovation and frontier technologies, Health, life sciences & FMCG.

“Despite all the global challenges, over the last year trade with the US has continued to grow. ”

Mark Foy, Managing Director, DHL Express New Zealand & Pacific Islands, commented: The calibre of this year's finalists reflects the strength of the New Zealand business community and its growing engagement with the United States. At DHL, we see firsthand the ambition required to succeed in the US, and this year's finalists have demonstrated a clear focus on growth and innovation, reinforcing the importance of the United States as a key export destination for New Zealand businesses. On behalf of DHL Express New Zealand, I congratulate all the 2026 finalists.

The winners receive an airfare to anywhere in the USA on United Airlines, with the Supreme winner also receiving US$5,000 of advisory services from Sweeney Vesty, introductions to venture capitalists, economic development agencies in the USA as well as to other valuable connections. Over the last twenty-six years our sponsors have provided over $400,000 worth of prizes to our award winners.

This year’s awards and finalists are:

Defence, space and security with the USA: Celebrating innovation and collaboration in critical security and aerospace sectors. Sponsored by Lockheed Martin.

-       Dawn Aerospace New Zealand Ltd
-       Gallagher Security
-       Hirtenberger Defence Technology Ltd
-       Merlin Labs NZ Ltd

Innovation and frontier technology (inc fintech) with the USA: Recognizing leadership in cutting-edge technological advancements and financial innovation. Sponsored by Ironside McDonald IP/Buckley Systems.

-       Auror Ltd
-       Lumin
-       Virtual Eye Ltd

Health, life sciences & FMCG with the USA: Highlighting achievements in the health, biotechnology, and fast-moving consumer goods industries. Sponsored by ANZ Bank.

-       BLIS Technologies Ltd
-       Wet & Forget Ltd
-       Zespri Kiwifruit – New Zealand Kiwi Holdings Inc.

Sustainable trade and climate with the USA: Honouring contributions to environmental stewardship and the development of sustainable business practices and climate solutions. Sponsored by Insprie Labs.

-       AgriZeroNZ
-       The Better Packaging Co. Ltd
-       The Sustainable Care Company Ltd (Cleanery)

Cultural connections and inclusion (inc Tourism) with the USA: Acknowledging efforts that bridge communities and promote diverse cultural exchange and inclusive practices. Sponsored by United Airlines.

-       Crimson Education Ltd
-       The Exquisite Group Ltd
-       Kiwa Digital Ltd
-       The University of Auckland Business School

Emerging exporter to the USA: Recognizing new and high-growth exporter demonstrating imagination and entrepreneurship in the US market. Sponsored by DHL Express.

-       Alimetry Ltd
-       Evre Self-Care Ltd (NZ) & Evre Self-Care Inc. (US)
-       Wai Mānuka Ltd

Investor of the year to or from the USA: Honouring significant investment activity, either inbound and outbound, that strengthens the economic ties between the two nations. Sponsored by Sweeney Vesty.

-       Bridgewest Venture Fund
-       TBA’s

One of the above will be selected as the Supreme winner.

One other award will be presented on the night:  The AmCham Supporter of the Year

The awards will be presented at a black-tie gala dinner at the Pullman Hotel Auckland on 17th September for details and tickets see https://www.amcham.co.nz/event-6381968

Previous winners of the Supreme Award have included Peace Software; Airways Corporation; HumanWare; Tenon; Orion Health; Zeacom; SMI Group; Fonterra; Pratt & Whitney Air New Zealand Services t/a Christchurch Engine Centre; Buckley Systems; Greenshell New Zealand; Vista Entertainment; Fisher & Paykel Healthcare; Douglas Pharmaceuticals, Zespri International; Tourism Holdings; Sir Peter Beck; Seequent Ltd; Oritain Global; Auror Ltd; Toku Eyes, and Windcave.