The students, who are currently participating in The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES), will travel to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on the 14^th of April for an all-expenses-paid, three-day experience designed to grow their entrepreneurial capability, confidence, and connections.

Young Navigators is a unique, kaupapa Māori and Pasifika-led initiative that blends elements of YES with a startup weekend-style experience. The programme brings together rangatahi to collaborate, solve real-world business challenges, and learn from industry leaders and mentors. Participants will be working in teams, supported by one of six leading New Zealand companies as their host for the programme, One NZ, Coca-Cola New Zealand, Pacific Business Trust, Deloitte, EY, and Accenture.

The selected YES students represent a diverse group of emerging young leaders from schools across the motu, selected from their application for their passion, potential, and commitment to developing their entrepreneurial skills.

Head of YES, Ian Musson, says the programme plays a critical role in supporting the next generation of Māori and Pasifika entrepreneurs.

“Young Navigators is about creating space for rangatahi to step into their potential, backed by culture, community and opportunity. These students are already doing incredible things through YES, and this experience is designed to accelerate that journey.”

Throughout the programme, students will take part in immersive workshops, team-based challenges, and mentoring sessions with business leaders, while also building strong connections with like-minded peers from around the country.

The initiative reflects Young Enterprise’s ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion within entrepreneurship, ensuring more young people see themselves represented in business and leadership pathways.

Young Navigators 2026 participants include:

Edward Siale – Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Horouta Wānanga
Jayda-Belle Stirling – Takapuna Grammar
Lillian Schaumkel – St Mary's College, Auckland
Luella Lilly – Nga Tawa Diocesan School
Miriana Haitana – Marlborough Girls' College
Wyatt Va'a – Te Aratai College
Hailey Richardson – Sacred Heart Girls' College, New Plymouth
Leato Collins – De La Salle College
Lupe Taulanga – Auckland Girls' Grammar School
Nariah Devereux – Te Iringa O Kahukura
Sitei Liava'a – Queen's High School
Zkeyah Gibson – Ōtaki College
Abby Ioane – Hastings Girls' High School
Kate McGinley – Whitby Collegiate
Mele Fe'ao – Marist College
Michael Fa'aui – De La Salle College
Oliver Clement – New Plymouth Boys High School
Rangatira Smith – Marlborough Boys' College
Deighton Kimi-Tarue Paugatama – Bishop Viard College
Esther Fukofuka – Cromwell College
Queenie Vui – Sacred Heart College, Napier
Robert Tytherleigh – Pukekohe High School
Tangiataahua Mata – Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitimu
Tevita Mounga – Dilworth School
Brie Osborne – Kerikeri High School
Iverson Tevaga-Pita – Sacred Heart College, Auckland
Jack Jenkins – Hutt International Boys' School
Laina Talapai – Christchurch Girls' High School
Tamati Madden – St John's College, Hastings
Vaine Mahe – Auckland Girls' Grammar School
Amber Liddicoat – Aparima College
Avani Aiulu – Queen Margaret College
Caleb Jungwin – Pompallier Catholic College
Anas Dan (Dan) Ali – Timaru Boys' High School
Naite Vai – Edgewater College
Reagan Kupa – Havelock North High School

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