Trees and slash came out tops at the recent Young Enterprise Scheme National Awards.

Students from Papa Taiao Earthcare were awarded The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) Company of the Year for their business Trees for Change. 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. They were also the recipients of the National Excellence Award for Sales and Marketing.

350 guests attended the awards ceremony at Tākina Convention and Events Centre in Wellington last month. Across the year, over 4,500 secondary school students participated in The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme, setting up over 1,000 companies between them. The awards night celebrated 30 of these companies, and Trees for Change was crowned National YES Company of the Year.

Trees for Change from Papa Taiao Earthcare has created a business that supports its community by facilitating tree planting locally, with a sponsorship model on the corporate side of their business, as well as retail sales through their own nursery. 

Trees for Change has truly delved into the heart of the environment, making a significant impact on both the community and social fronts, said the Judges. They were particularly impressed by the company's commitment to fostering growth in conservation across the west coast: “Trees for Change stands as a shining example of a business making a positive difference in the world, with a strong emphasis on community impact and environmental stewardship.”

Second place was Pounamu Chews from Manurewa High School who have silicone chews that replicate pounamu and provide a safe way for babies to use while they are teething. 

Third place was Enivo Pots from Wellington Girls’ College who are hoping to create biodegradable plant pots using forestry waste products such as slash. The judges were particularly impressed by sole trader Elisa Harley’s overall goal. The judges acknowledged the long road ahead, recognising the big plan through various projects to fund the ultimate end product. Enivo Pots secured a top-three pitch with their “exceptional ability to identify problems and create innovative solutions”. 

The judges for the competition were Burcu Senel – Chief Executive Officer of HSBC, David Steele – Trustee, The Lion Foundation, Lance Walker – Trustee, Young Enterprise Trust, Rachel Taulelei – Co-Founder of Oho, and Rod Baxter – CEO, The Princes Trust.

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 conception 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.