The New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) has named twenty-seven companies from various industries as finalists in the 2012 New Zealand International Business Awards.

NZTE Chief Executive Peter Chrisp expressed satisfaction over having 27 businesses representing a wide variety of industries and regions as finalists.

"This year's finalists are using our country's world class technology, reputation and skills to develop high value brands and push out into new markets. These are ambitious, internationally focused businesses that New Zealanders should be proud of," he said.

Of the recognition program which NZTE manages, Mr. Chrisp said the awards is a venue for recognizing the businesses that have been doing things right, while at the same time giving them a chance to share what they have learned in the industry.

"Sharing their stories helps build understanding of what is required to succeed internationally as well as giving us an opportunity to recognise the contribution they're making to New Zealand," Chrisp said.

Orion Health, one of the nine finalists in the category for "Best Business Operating Internationally," earns over $50 million.

Orion Health chief executive Ian McCrae said the driving force behind his company has always been to be globally recognized.

"It's fantastic to have our success recognized," he said.

While it has been scaling up its international operations, Orion Health remainins headquartered in NZ.

"Supporting New Zealand businesses who operate on a global scale are the key to this country's economic success. We currently employ 300 staff in New Zealand, and globally over 500. We're actively on the lookout for 200 new staff in the next 12 months," he said.

Orion Health has direct sales operations in most major developed economies with largest markets being the US, Canada, UK, Spain, Australia and New Zealand.

As it expands its global operations, Orion is now looking into growing new markets in Japan, China, the Middle East and Europe.

Other companies competing for the category 'Best Business Operating Internationally with revenue over $50m' are: BCS (Auckland), Buckley Systems (Auckland), Christchurch Engine Centre (Christchurch), Downer NZ (Tauranga), Rakon (Auckland), SKOPE (Christchurch), Tait Electronics (Christchurch), and Westland Milk Products (Hokitika).

Follow the finalists on twitter @nzte-iba or at http://www.nzte.govt.nz/awards.

Winners are due to be announced on March 21, according to the New Zealand Herald.