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 is my favourite night of the year, it gives us a promising glimpse into the next generation of New Zealand’s future business leaders,” says Alex Bullot, CEO of Young Enterprise Trust.  

Students from Apirima College have been awarded The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) Company of the Year for their business Treet Yourself Contracting. The company 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.

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. Their dedicated team oversee the whole process from an idea to a flourishing plantation. Judges commended the teams proven success and achievements to date and acknowledged their commitment to creating opportunities for others, creating sustainable ongoing employment opportunities for their community, the use of AI, and their passion for creating a financially and environmentally sustainable business.

Second place was awarded to Seadown Road from Timaru Boys’ High School and Timaru Girls’ High School who are transforming South Canterbury's primary industries by repurposing waste carrots to create Rejuiced, a natural carrot-based sweetener. The company was awarded $2000, as well as an additional $1000 for their school.

Third place was Enivo Pots from Wellington Girls’ College, a company designing biodegradable plant pots made from forestry slash, intended for wholesale to nurseries to tackle plastic waste. 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 Amy Dove – Forensic partner, Deloitte, John Roberston – GM Ministry of Youth Development, David Steele – Trustee, The Lion Foundation, Gerri Ward – Principal Consultant, Oxygen Consulting, Matthew Ross, Deputy CFO, Infratil, and, Raimona Tapiata – Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

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 students an authentic learning experience that prepares them for life after schooling by teaching entrepreneurship and connecting them with the business community.

The 2024 programme marked record breaking numbers for the scheme with over 5000 students involved in the programme. The scheme aims to set students up for success in a variety of area.

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

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Full results of the evening:

The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme Company of the Year 2024 - Treet Yourself Contracting - Aparima College

The Sir John Todd Memorial Award for 2nd Place – Seadown Road - Timaru Boys' High School and Timaru Girls' High School

Todd Foundation Award for 3rd Place – Enivo Pots - Wellington Girls College

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:

BP Award for Social Enterprise – 12oz- King’s College

Te Arahanga Primary Industries Award– Enivo Pots – Wellington Girls’ College

Hospitality NZ National Excellence Award for Pasifika Business – TEHINA KAI – Bishop Viard

New Zealand International Cooperation Award for Solving a Development Problem – FIX – Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery

HSBC Award for Environmental Sustainability – Enivo Pots – Wellington Girls’ College

Te Anamata NZ Māori Tourism Award for Rangatahi Entrepreneur – TUAKIRI – Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Horouta Wānanga

Ministry of Youth Development Award for Resilience – Moemoea – Te Tipu Whenua ō Pā Harakeke

Stuff Award for Innovation – Cattle Credit – Cashmere High School

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand Award for Best Annual Review – Once Upon a Kind - Whanganui Collegiate School

National Excellence Award for CEO of the Year – Joey Hung – Manurewa High School

Sir James Fletcher Award for Most Inspiring Teacher – Duncan Trickey – Otago Girls’ High School

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