New Zealand’s Canterbury Leather International is one of 21 companies that has been named as a finalist in the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Export (NZTE) Awards 2005.
Demand for its high quality sheepskin products, including assisting to fill the “UGG” boot fashion craze, saw Canterbury Leather International almost double annual exports in 2004 and increase staff from 85 to a peak of 250. The Christchurch manufacturer of sheepskin footwear, garments, hats and accessories has been in business for 30 years, manufacturing under its client’s labels or under its own house brand, Canterbury Sheepskin.
The finalists range from enterprises earning more than NZ$200 million annually in exports to small, entrepreneurial software developers.
“Export success is critical to lifting New Zealand into the top half of the OECD rankings. The finalists are also helping to build a culture of business enterprise in New Zealand, and helping to position New Zealand as a source of innovation,” said New Zealand Trade and Enterprise CEO, Tim Gibson.
