05 July 2006

Metra, the international commercial arm of New Zealand's MetService, was recognised for its contribution to New Zealand's export success and was awarded Export NZ's Wellington Exporter of the Year.

"The sheer hard work, determination, entrepreneurship and business ingenuity that Metra consistently demonstrates."

MetService Chief Executive John Lumsden says "this award demonstrates the capability the organisation has in competing successfully in the highly competitive global marketplace. That customers on the other side of the world choose Metra as a supplier shows the accuracy and usability of the products being provided out of our Wellington office."

Lumsden also says "our ongoing commitment to operational excellence will continue and awards like this encourage us to continually strive to be as excellent as we can".

The judging criteria consisted of foreign exchange growth. marketing techniques, export strategy, business planning and enterprise.

Paul Linton, Chief of Metra says "the award from Export New Zealand is certainly appreciated, and reflects the hard work all staff have put in to making Metra a success".

Linton says "the assistance of organisations such as New Zealand Trade & Enterprise and Technology New Zealand have been invaluable in supporting Metra's drive for new products, new markets and the ongoing commitment to innovation and the successful commercialisation of the company's scientific intellectual capital."

Metra provides added value weather related products and services to customers around the world. Metra is increasingly being recognised as a supplier of specialised weather forecasts to the energy sector in the global market and for its weather graphics software system Weatherscape XT which is provided to television stations worldwide.

Among the international client list of Metra the is the BBC, Nine Network in Australia, CNBC franchises in Asia, Turkey and the Middle East, and large European energy companies such as E.On and RWE.

For further information please contact:

John Lumsden
Chief Executive - MetService
Ph: 029 4700 708
John.lumsden@metservice.com

Paul Linton
Chief - Metra
Ph: 021 470 072
Paul.linton@metra.info