2009 World Class NZ Awards Supreme Winner World Class NZ Awards

"Kea and NZTE hosted a spectacular World Class New Zealand Awards Gala Dinner on 1 April 2009 at the Hyatt Hotel, Auckland; an event which celebrates our tall poppies and made New Zealanders proud to be Kiwis. This is the sixth year of acknowledging New Zealanders excelling on the global stage.

Over 500 guests and sponsors attended representing some of New Zealand's best in business both internationally and nationally, including senior government officials, Wellington's Mayor, Kerry Prendergast, Minister of Trade, Tim Groser and the Prime Minister, John Key.

This black tie event began with guests walking through the Hall of Fame showcasing all 24 previous award winners. The evening's formalities commenced with a moving Maori welcome followed by Stephen Tindall‘s address which he concluded by delighting and entertaining the audience with a video clip produced by Kea Australia to drive membership growth, called "the bit that broke off". View the video clip here.

This year's Supreme Award winner, Richard Taylor of Weta Workshop was announced. He proudly held the tall poppy bronze award produced in his own workshop and quipped that he had wondered who would have this in their trophy cabinet, little did he expect to be the one. His speech highlighted the drivers of success for him as being passion, innovation and determination."

Check out Richard's Speech