"I am proud to announce ten extraordinary leaders as finalists in the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants 2009 Leadership Awards," Terry McLaughlin, Chief Executive, New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants, said today. "Our three leadership award categories recognize outstanding individual achievement, organisational leadership and best practice in accountancy. These finalists have all excelled in their accountancy careers, their businesses and in their services to the community," said Mr McLaughlin. There are three awards for individuals: the Chartered Accountant of the Year Award, the Outstanding New Member Award and the Outstanding Service to the Profession Award (which is awarded by nomination only). The Leadership Awards also include four awards for annual reporting: best annual report by a corporate organisation, a public sector organisation, a not-for-profit organisation and best sustainability reporting. "The annual report awards recognize organisations that have excelled at reporting the achievements of their organisations to stakeholders, investors and the public. "The quality of the finalists reflects the high standard of entries we received. We congratulate all of the finalists and look forward to the announcement of the winners at the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants 2009 Leadership Awards Gala Dinner in Wellington on 11 November," said Mr McLaughlin. Finalists Finalists for the Chartered Accountant of the Year Award

Warwick Hunt, Managing Partner, Middle East Region, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Dubai

Chris Hopkins, Chief Executive, Scott Technology, Dunedin

Martin Matthews, Chief Executive, Ministry of Transport, Wellington

Carolyn Cordery, Lecturer, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington

Christopher Cass, Partner, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Sydney The award recognises New Zealand's top Chartered Accountant, who has most effectively demonstrated leadership and contributed to the success of their employing organisation, clients or the accounting profession. Finalists for the Outstanding New Member Award

Gina Cook, Associate, PKF Ross Melville, Auckland

Leon Wijohn, Director, Wijohn Chartered Accountants Ltd, Auckland

Jono Bredin, Manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Dunedin

Natalia Cowley, Finance Manager, MARAC Finance Ltd, Auckland

Gwenan Riley, Director, KPMG, Wellington The award recognises accountants new to the profession, who have most effectively demonstrated leadership and contributed to the success of their employing organisation, clients or the accounting profession. An Outstanding Service to the Profession Award will also be awarded at the Gala Dinner to recognise members who have provided outstanding service to the accounting profession. This Award is by nomination only. Annual Report Awards: Corporate The finalists for best practice annual reporting by corporate organisations are:

The New Zealand Refining Company Ltd

Marlborough Lines Limited

Christchurch International Airport Ltd

Solid Energy New Zealand Limited

Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Public sector The finalists for best practice annual reporting by public sector organisations are:

Reserve Bank of New Zealand

Rotorua District Council

Watercare Services Ltd

Manukau Water Ltd

New Zealand Fire Service Not-for-Profit The finalists for best practice annual reporting by not-for-profit organisations are:

New Zealand Red Cross

YHA New Zealand Inc.

Agriculture ITO

Parents Incorporated

Tranzqual ITO Sustainability The finalists for best practice sustainability reporting are:

NIWA

Sanford Ltd

Watercare Services Ltd

Waitakere City Council ENDS