Rewards for top traders

Some of New Zealand's top exporters and importers will be recognised by a new collection of business awards this year.

Supported by the Business Herald, the American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand and United Airlines have launched the Success and Innovation Awards to celebrate the trading relationship between the two countries.

The United States is New Zealand's largest trading partner outside Australia, with bilateral trade generating more than $7.5 billion in revenue a year.

Mike Hearn, executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce, said the awards were open to businesses that had traded anything, from goods and services to royalties, to or from the US during the past year.

Judges will evaluate issues such as commitment to innovation, business success and market development.

Prizes include $5000 of consultancy services from Ernst & Young and return business-class airfares to the US.

Entries close on May 15, with award presentations made by August.