Southland Students Win National Business Award
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- Aparima College students won top honours at the national Young Enterprise Scheme awards.
- Their business, Treet Yourself Contracting, impressed with its focus on sustainability and innovation.
- The YES programme fosters entrepreneurship in secondary schools, connecting students with business leaders.
Students from Aparima College in Riverton have claimed the top prize at the prestigious Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) National Awards. Held at the Takina Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wellington, the event celebrated the achievements of New Zealand’s brightest young entrepreneurs.
The awards night brought together over 300 attendees, including students, educators, business leaders, and supporters, to honour the top 30 YES companies selected from 1273 entrants nationwide. This year, more than 5000 students participated in the YES programme, transforming creative ideas into innovative ventures and showcasing resilience and entrepreneurial talent.
Aparima College’s Treet Yourself Contracting was awarded The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme Company of the Year. The Southland-based business, dedicated to restoring New Zealand’s natural landscapes by planting native trees, stood out for its success and sustainability efforts. The team received $3,000, a $5,000 scholarship for each member to Massey University Business School, and $2,000 for their school.
Treet Yourself Contracting’s achievements include creating local jobs, integrating AI into operations, and building a financially and environmentally sustainable business. Judges were impressed by the team’s commitment to their mission and their impact within the community.
Southern Regional Co-ordinator Leanne Humphrey said: “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.”
The YES programme offers secondary school students the chance to develop and run their own businesses over the course of a year, providing real-world experience in ideation, production, marketing, and sales. It is facilitated in Southland by the Southland Business Chamber, which supports students as they build entrepreneurial skills and connections with the business community.
The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme aims to inspire the next generation of New Zealand’s business leaders and innovators by fostering entrepreneurship in schools across the country.