6 December 2024
Southland Team Wins Top National Award at Young Enterprise Scheme Awards
Southland students have shone on the national stage, with Riverton’s Aparima College taking home the top honour at the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) National Awards, held at the Takina Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wellington on Thursday night.
The prestigious event celebrated Aotearoa’s top young entrepreneurs, bringing together over 300 students, educators, business leaders, and supporters to acknowledge the success of the top 30 out of 1273 standout YES companies from across the country.
This year, over 5000 secondary school students participated in the YES programme, turning creative ideas into innovative ventures and showcasing entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and determination. The evening highlighted the exceptional talent of these young business leaders, sharing stories of innovation, success, and enterprise.
Students from Aparima College were awarded The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) Company of the Year for their business, Treet Yourself Contracting. Along with the title, the team received $3,000, a $5,000 scholarship for each company member to the Massey University Business School, and $2,000 for their school.
Treet Yourself Contracting is a Southland-based tree-planting company with a mission to restore New Zealand’s natural landscapes by focusing on planting native trees. The team impressed judges with their proven success, achievements, and commitment to sustainability, which included creating employment opportunities in their community, using AI to enhance their operations, and building a financially and environmentally sustainable business.
Southern Regional Co-ordinator, Leanne Humphrey, applauded the team’s achievement, saying: “It’s incredible to see a rural Southland team win on the national stage. These students have worked so hard, and their passion and dedication truly paid off. Their win is a testament to the innovation and talent in our region.”
This marks the culmination of a year-long journey where YES students create and run their own businesses, from ideation to production, marketing, and sales. The programme provides an authentic learning experience, preparing students for life after school by teaching entrepreneurship and connecting them with the business community.
The YES programme is facilitated by the Southland Business Chamber in the Southern Region, providing vital support and guidance to students as they develop their businesses and entrepreneurial skills.
The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme is a nationwide business experience programme aimed at fostering a more prosperous New Zealand through enterprise. It works with schools across the country to inspire the next generation of business leaders and innovators.
