The event brought together over 300 students, educators, business leaders and supporters to honour the success of the top 30 of 1273 standout Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) companies from across the country.

The evening marked the culmination of an inspiring year for over 5000 secondary school students participating in the YES programme who turned creative ideas into innovative real-world ventures, demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit and resilience.

Attendees were treated to an inspiring evening showcase of student talent, hearing stories of innovation, success and enterprise from the year. “Our annual awards night is an annual highlight. It offers an uplifting look at the emerging leaders who are already on the path to shaping New Zealand’s business landscape.” says Alex Bullot, CEO of Young Enterprise Trust.  

Cattle Credit from Cashmere High School has been awarded The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) Company of the Year. The company founder, Cairo Akehurst was awarded $3000, as well as a $5000 scholarship for each company member to the Massey University Business School, and their school was awarded $2,000.

Cattle Credit is leading the agricultural industry into a new era of sustainability by helping farmers reduce methane emissions from their livestock and meet both government and international standards. Using space-based technology, Cattle Credit provides innovative solutions that enable farmers to accurately monitor and manage methane emissions, ensuring compliance with national regulations and benchmarks set by global customers. Their mission is to make space technology a key tool in agricultural sustainability, empowering farmers to future-proof their operations while protecting the environment. Committed to innovation, transparency, and impact, Cattle Credit, led by founder and CEO, Cairo, alongside his executive team, are redefining how the farming sector approaches environmental responsibility and sustainability in Aotearoa and beyond.

The judges praised Cattle Credit for its next-level innovation — an advanced, future-focused enterprise using cutting-edge technology to tackle one of agriculture’s most pressing environmental challenges. They were particularly struck by the founder’s world-changing ambition noting that he is wise beyond his years to be taking on a problem of this scale.

Second place was awarded to ZenSha from Nelson College, a pioneering New Zealand wellness brand, creating the country’s first matcha-infused protein powder. The company was awarded $2000, as well as an additional $1000 for their school.

Third place was Nature’s Prime from St Hilda’s Collegiate, recognised for redefining leather care with their premium, all-natural products that combine performance and sustainability. The company was awarded $1000, as well as an additional $1000 for their school.

In addition to the top three placings, 11 National Excellence Awards were awarded for companies across Aotearoa who were excelling in their respective area.

The judges for this years annual competition were Pam Thompson – Deloitte, Jody Cruttenden – Emerge, Catherine Jones – Creative HQ, David Steele – The Lion Foundation, Jamie MacDonald –Story Park and Elena Higgison – Ngati Toa.

This event was the culmination of the companies’ business year. Over the past year, these students have created and run their own businesses right from ideation through to production, marketing, and sales. The programme gives over 5000 students nationwide an authentic learning experience that prepares them for life after schooling by teaching entrepreneurship and connecting them with the business community.

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Full results of the evening:

The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme Company of the Year 2025 – Cattle Credit, Cashmere High School

The Sir John Todd Memorial Award for 2nd Place - ZenSha, Nelson College

Todd Foundation Award for 3rd Place – Nature’s Prime, St Hilda’s Collegiate

11 YES companies were honoured on the evening, receiving National Excellence Awards which acknowledge companies excelling in a particular area. The following teams received their respective National Excellence Award titles and $1000 of prize money:

Chartered Accountants ANZ Award for Excellent Annual Review – DonateMate, St Hilda’s Collegiate School

HSBC Award for Environmental Sustainability – Cattle Credit, Cashmere High School

National Excellence Award for Innovation – ZenSha, Nelson College

National Excellence Award for Pasifika Business – Breath of Pacific, De La Salle College

Ministry of Youth Development Award for Resilience – FIX, Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery

Te Anamata NZ Māori Tourism Award for Rangatahi Entrepreneur – Tuakiri, TKKM o Horouta Wānanga

Te Arahanga Primary Industries Award – Nature’s Prime, St Hilda’s Collegiate

CEO of the Year Award – Jessie McKenzie, Sable & Swim, Hutt Valley High School

Sir James Fletcher Award for Most Inspiring Teacher – Lynne Grove, Aparima College

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