Last night was an awesome event as I attended the Young Enterprise YES Wellington Regional Finals. The energy in the room was electric, filled with young minds eager to change the world, one innovation at a time. As a former YES student from 2005, this event felt like a homecoming of sorts, a full-circle moment that reminded me why I entered the realm of public service & started my own businesses.
What made the evening even more special was the representation of two schools from Lower Hutt among the finalists, as well as my former school HIBS. These young entrepreneurs showcased their projects with so much confidence and flair, it’s evident that the future is bright for our community.
The Winners
Among the outstanding presentations, two teams stole the spotlight:
- Enivo Pots from Wellington Girls’ College: They are on a mission to reduce plastic waste by providing biodegradable plant pots.
- Natures Koura from He Huarahi Tamariki (Teen Parent Unit): They’ve created a nourishing soap from Kawakawa, mamaku, and lemongrass, aiming to make a positive environmental impact.
These deserving winners will represent the region at the Nationals on December 4th.
Wellington’s start-up scene has evidently found its spark, thanks in part to the hard work and ‘mahi’ everyone has put in. From the organisers to the judges (who are all YES alumni) the commitment to fostering entrepreneurial skills in young people was palpable.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Young Enterprise for nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs through this incredible platform. As I left the event, I found myself pondering whether YES attracts future leaders or actually helps create them. Either way, it was an unforgettable night, and I’m brimming with excitement to see what the future holds for these young visionaries.
