Announcing the regional category winners, Mr Horne said the companies embraced innovation, challenged the norm and had the determination and drive to see them achieve phenomenal growth year-on-year.
''If recent times have highlighted anything in the region, it is that businesses need to constantly adapt and focus on remaining relevant in a changing environment.
''It has also highlighted how businesses must take control of their own destiny as relying on decision-makers beyond our borders to understand our strengths is a risky strategy at best.''
This year, the format for the Fast 50 had been altered to recognise changes in the business market, he said.
In previous years, he had announced the full Fast 50 index in November.
Last night, Mr Horne announced just the regional category and rising star winners. Each winner last night would attend the November finals in Auckland as part of their prize.
''While we wanted to retain the local recognition and profile our regional winners deserve from this event, we also really see the value and importance of bringing New Zealand's fastest-growing businesses together in an environment where they can learn off each other and be inspired by those that have successfully overcome the challenges to grow national and global success stories.''
Regional winners
Fastest-growing services business - Beaute
Fastest-growing manufacturer - Superior Minerals
Fastest-growing retail or consumer products business - Thunder Jet and Queenstown Water Taxis
Fastest-growing exporter - Mount Cook Alpine Salmon
Fastest-growing mature business - Night'n Day Foodstores
Rising star regional winner - Bookme
Rising star highly commended - Timely
* Mount Cook Salmon and Thunder Jet also made it into the overall Fast 50 index.
