Harding Construction has featured in another local paper, The Timaru Courier, this time alongside fellow Timaru finalists, Tradeworx.

Jeff and Rachel McLennan of Tradeworx also entered their company in the Business Excellence Awards, and were finalists in their section.

"It's pretty impressive for two companies from Timaru to perform so well on the international stage," said Heather Harding of Harding Construction. "There was an enthusiastic Kiwi contingent supporting each other at the Awards. It's always fun when Kiwis are up against Australians."

The Kiwis' post-award haka was quickly countered with a vigorous 'Aussie, Aussie Aussie, Oi! Oi! Oi!'

"I thought ours was far more impressive" quipped Harding.