WELLINGTON, NZ: Wellington-based video game developer and
publisher PikPok has been named ASB Exporter of the Year at
the 2026 ExportNZ ASB Central Region Export Awards. Proudly
sponsored by ASB, the awards recognise exporting excellence
from across Central New Zealand, spanning Greater Wellington
to Wairarapa, Horowhenua, Whanganui, Manawatū and Nelson
Tasman.
Judged by a highly experienced panel of
exporting specialists, PikPok was awarded the supreme title
in recognition of its international success and contribution
to New Zealand’s wider gaming and interactive media
sector.
“Nearly three decades in, PikPok continues to
set the standard. Their impact goes well beyond their own
commercial success. They have helped make New Zealand a
globally recognised centre for game development talent
through collaboration, incubation, and a genuine commitment
to growing the wider industry,” the judges
said.
ExportNZ Regional Manager Amanda Liddle said
that all of this year’s winners reflect the ambition,
innovation and resilience driving export growth across the
region. “What stood out this year was the calibre of
businesses coming through. These are exporters with strong
commercial instincts, clear market positioning, and the
ability to adapt and grow internationally while continuing
to invest back into New Zealand.”
The breadth of
exporting success emerging from the central region is
reflected in the 2026 winners. From Mufftech’s fast
growing international expansion and highly targeted market
approach, to Double Vision Brewing’s customer led
innovation strategy gaining traction in China, the awards
highlighted businesses finding success through very
different paths. Judges also recognised T&R Interior
Systems through the Judges’ Choice Award for their
continued export growth and contribution to the
sector.
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ASB’s Head of International Trade, Mike
Atkins said the quality and diversity of this year’s
finalists was particularly impressive. “This year’s
winners demonstrate what’s possible when New Zealand
businesses combine innovation, customer insight and
disciplined execution. From advanced manufacturing and
software development through to brewing and specialist
construction systems, these exporters are proving New
Zealand businesses can compete successfully on the world
stage.”
Libby McFadden, a judge from New Zealand Trade
and Enterprise added that what set this year’s winners apart
wasn’t just ambition – it was strategic clarity. “They
understood their market, knew their customer, and built for
it deliberately. That kind of success deserves to be
celebrated, because when New Zealand businesses win on the
world stage, we all benefit.”
Below is the full list
of winners for 2026:
- 2026 ASB Central Region
Exporter of the Year PikPok - Gallagher Insurance Best
Established Business PikPok - DHL Best Emerging
Business Mufftech - Henry Hughes IP Excellence in
Innovation Double Vision Brewing - Judges’ Choice
Award T&R Interior Systems - CentrePort Everyday
Heroes Award recipients Liz Johnston – Retail Manager, The
Village Goldsmith Clint Keil – Freezer / Coolstore Foreman,
Taylor Preston Mark Clifford – Hirtenberger Defence
Technology
About the ExportNZ:
ASB Central
Region Export Awards Now in its tenth year, the ExportNZ ASB
Central Region Export Awards recognise and celebrate the
contribution exporters make to the regional and national
economy. Supported by Business Central NZ, the Awards
highlight the ambition, capability, and global impact of
businesses operating within the central
region.