The chairman of the award judges, Sir Robin Gray, said the finalists had been shortlisted from 81 business entries across 101 category entries.
The finalist and overall winner of the Westpac Supreme Business Excellence Award will be named at the awards function, on November 26.
The finalists are:
Design: Farra Engineering, New Zealand Honey Co, TracMap NZ.
Emerging business: KnowSocial Media, PocketSmith,U-Fly, Waitaki Bacon &Ham.
Ethics: Computer Solutions & Training, University of Otago's New Zealand Marine Studies Centre, Youthline Otago.
International trader-sustainability: Agility Logistics, New Zealand Honey Co, PocketSmith, Ashburn Clinic, Classic Jaguar Limousines, Delta Utility Services, Monarch Wildlife Cruises.
Manufacturing-Primary: New Zealand Honey Co, Emersons Brewing, TracMap NZ.
Not for profit: Otago Peninsula Trust, St John Southern Region, Youthline Otago.
Research and Innovation: OceanBrowser, TracMap NZ, University of Otago's New Zealand Marine Studies Centre.
Retail service: House of Kavina, Peggydale, R&R Sport, Classic Jaguar Limousine, Computer Solutions & Training, OceanBrowser.
Tourism: Cadbury World, Monarch Wildlife Cruises, Train Journeys.
ACC Workplace Safety: Agility Logistics, Alliance Group Pukeuri, Mercy Hospital.
Future business leader: James Hacon, Jono Bredin, Lee-Anne Anderson.
