The new conversation - Deloitte Top 200

See video of Business Editor Liam Dann talking to Deloitte CEO Thomas Pippos about this year' s Top 200 theme - The New Conversation

New Zealand's business community are gearing up for one of the biggest business awards evenings of the year - the Deloitte Top 200 Awards.

Now in its 26th year, the awards celebrate the top 200 largest New Zealand businesses based on revenue, as well as a separate list of New Zealand's Top 30 financial enterprises based on asset value. Around 1,000 guests are expected at the black tie event, held at Vector Arena on Thursday, and will be in for an evening of entertainment as well as celebration.

Last year's event, hosted by NZME Events in partnership with Deloitte, saw guests from across the business sector attend, with a performance from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra opening the night's entertainment.

Judges said the quantitative results of the Top 200 survey had this year "turned up an unusually broad range of credible companies and individuals this year."

It had been a year when some companies had seen growth strategies maturing and producing results, he said. In other sectors volatility in currency and commodities had been an issue.

Deloitte head of marketing and communications, Cassandra Worrall said the company was proud to be associated with the Top 200 awards since it began in 1989.

"The Top 200 continues to be the premier business awards for the larger businesses in New Zealand, representing the pinnacle of corporate recognition," she said. "Winners and finalists make up the who's who of the business community and together make a vital contribution to New Zealand's economy."

There are 10 categories this year including executive and young executive of the year, company of the year, chairperson of the year and most improved performance.

Judges include Forsyth Barr managing director Neil Paviour-Smith, independent director Maier, former QBE chairman of the year Alison Paterson, NZME business editorial director Fran O'Sullivan and chair of Minter Ellison Rudd Watts Cathy Quinn.

The lists include publicly listed and private companies, New Zealand subsidiaries of multinational companies, co-operatives, societies and state-owned enterprises.
A visionary leader award will also be announced on the night.