Deloitte Dunedin partner Mike Horne said the diversity among this year's regional winners indicated growth across several sectors and showed any type of business, from anywhere in New Zealand, could succeed with the right approach.
In an interview before the awards function, Mr Horne said the main point of interest for him this year was the growth of the companies entered in Deloitte Fast 50.
''It is a turbulent world now and that underpins the importance of growth.
''If you look at what is happening in Europe, the lack of growth removes choice from a country's economy.
''We have our own concerns around housing construction but that is a more positive challenge than the challenge to grow the economy.''
The economic growth of New Zealand's companies provided opportunities both domestically and in overseas markets, he said.
Many of the businesses entered in the awards operated nationally and internationally from Dunedin and lower South Island region, testament to not having to live in a big city to achieve phenomenal year-on-year growth.
The strength of the agribusiness category was also a feature this year, Mr Horne said.
There was increasing interest in the rising star category, this year won by Bison. The category catered for the more early stage businesses.
''This reflects the emerging entrepreneurial spirit across a number of sectors.
''The rise of these new and innovative businesses will only add to the vibrancy of our economy.''
In the past two years, companies from Dunedin and the lower South Island had represented about 12% of the national Fast 50 index, showing the region performed well in terms of its size of population, Mr Horne said.
The national Fast 50 index will be released on November 16.
