This article could be out of date, as it was published 1 year 6 months 13 days ago.

A mix of technology and nature has been recognised in this year’s Deloitte Fast 50, a list of New Zealand’s 50 fastest-growing businesses.

New telco 2degrees and online accounting vendor Xero placed second and fourth, with 3762% and 874% growth respectively.

Joining them in the top 10 were other tech companies Telecom Rentals (3), 2Talk (9) and Tomizone (10), along with natural, eco-friendly businesses such as K9 Natural Food (5), Piako Gourmet Yoghurt (6), Global Horticulture New Zealand (7) and Ecoya (8).

Number one was online electricity retailer Powershop, with 5280% growth.

Biomatters, the tech company formerly run by new NZICT CEO, Candace Kinser, ranked 33rd, with 210% growth.

Deloitte’s Matt McKendry says this year’s rankings show how taking risks can pay dividends, and that uncertain economic times can also provide opportunities.

“Many of the businesses on the 2011 Deloitte Fast 50 are culminations of new ways of thinking in recessionary times,” McKendry says, “both in terms of their service or product offering but also how they run their businesses.”

Go here to see the full list.