The awards, which recognise top innovators in the fields of Science and Health; Design and Engineering; Agriculture and Environment; Research and Development; and Information Technology and Communications, are open for entries until 11 June 2010 - http://www.bayerinnovators.co.nz.

The Awards are held in association with the National Business Review.

Bayer Corporate Communications Manager William Malpass is aware that judging is crucial to ensure that New Zealand innovators are recognised in the upcoming Bayer Innovators Awards.

“Each year the Bayer Innovators Awards attract very strong entries.  That’s why we’re delighted to have such a high calibre of judges at the Bayer Innovators Awards 2010.  We want to ensure that recognition goes to the best of the best,” he said.

Mr Malpass said this was the forth year the awards had been held and each year they went from strength to strength.

Dr Steve Henry holds a professorial chair in Biotechnology at AUT University and is CEO of KODE Biotech Ltd; Rick Christie is chairman of Ebos Group Ltd and Professor Jacqueline Rowarth holds the Foundation Chair of Pastoral Agriculture at Massey University and is director of Massey Agriculture.

Bayer New Zealand would like to hear from individuals who are involved in a successful innovation or innovative project, or who are recognised by colleagues as an ideas person with innovative successes.

The National Business Review will showcase the top innovators from each of the categories and winners will be announced at a special cocktail event on 24 August 2010.

Entries for the awards are now open and can be made through the website www.bayerinnovators.co.nz. Closing date for entries is 11 June 2010.

Previous winners include university researchers such as Dr Johan Verbeek (Waikato University) and Olaf Diegel (AUT), manufacturers such as Ross McKenzie from Old Fashioned Foods and designers such as Ray Avery from Medicine Mondiale.

For more information visit: www.bayerinnovators.co.nz

Ends

Bayer: Science For A Better Life

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. The company’s products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time Bayer creates value through innovation, growth and high earning power. The Group is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its role as a socially and ethically responsible corporate citizen. Economy, ecology and social responsibility are corporate policy objectives of equal rank. In fiscal 2009, Bayer employed 108,400 people and had sales of €31.2 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to €1.7 billion, R&D expenses to €2.7 billion. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

About The Judges

Dr Steve Henry

Dr Steve Henry is the founder, CEO and CSO of the biotechnology company KODE Biotech Limited. He also holds a professorial chair in Biotechnology at AUT University and is published extensively in scientific literature and is an inventor on numerous patent applications.

Rick Christie

Mr Christie is a professional director and company chairman with appointments in both the private and public sectors. He has had considerable experience as a chief executive with extensive involvement in the export sector, including Tradenz where he was Chief Executive from 1990 to 1996. He is currently Chairman of Ebos Group Ltd.

Professor Jacqueline Rowarth CNZM, CRSNZ, FNZIAHS

Professor Jacqueline Rowarth holds the Foundation Chair of Pastoral Agriculture at Massey University, and is Director of Massey Agriculture. She is also on the AGMARDT Board of Trustees and has been involved as a Bayer Innovators Award judge since inception.

Media contact:

William Malpass

Corporate Communications Manager

Bayer New Zealand Ltd

Ph 09-441 8591

Mob 021 935 217

William.malpass.wm@bayer-ag.de