Teenage Students up for Young Managing Director of the Year

MEDIA RELEASE
5 November 2011

Teenage Students up for Young Managing Director of the Year

Five teenage business leaders are in line for the title of New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA) Young Managing Director of the Year Award as part of the annual Lion Foundation Young enterprise Scheme National (YES) Awards.

The five young ‘MDs’ head student companies from schools in Auckland, Northland, Nelson and Canterbury selling products ranging from a polar fleece ‘hoodie’ designed to keep athletes warm after competing – and worn by the NZ Olympic swimming team – to an online portal for ethical products.

“Our goal in sponsoring this award is to inspire and foster New Zealand’s future business leaders giving them recognition, support and incentives,” says NZICA Chief Executive Terry McLaughlin of the award, now in its second year.

“This year’s finalists have consistently displayed the skills we’re looking for in a strong young leader. I’m sure we’ll hear more about them in the future,” he says.

Finalists for the NZICA Young Managing Director of the Year Award are:
• Matthew Hanson, of Kosmo, Kingsway School, North Shore, Auckland . Product: A range of polar-fleece ‘hoodies’ designed to keep athletes warm post-competition including the Kos-Jacket worn by the 2012 NZ Olympic swim team.
• Nick Allison, of Ethical Mall, Garin College, Nelson. Product: Ethical online marketplace bringing together small ethical businesses into a one-stop-shop for consumers seeking such products (eg organic, Fair Trade, supporting charities etc)
• Chance August, of Dr Gripper, Springbank School, Northland. Product: Dr Gripper Wax Strips, unique surf board wax application allowing surfers more time in the water and less time removing and reapplying wax.
• Sophie Green, of Flatpack Farming, Rangi Ruru School, Canterbury. Product: Heavy duty PVC storage utility designed for safe and efficient transport of gear on farms, particularly for use on quad bikes.
• La Su’a, of Caring & Co., Manurewa High, Counties Manukau. Product: ‘Unique Drizzle Olive Oil’, unique because it is from Waiheke Island olive and is a product with a cause - every bottle sold resulting in one child entering the Life Education Trust programme.

The winner receives a cash prize of $1000 and opportunities to mingle and network with the country’s top business leaders.

Have your say
In addition, NZICA is creating the opportunity for New Zealanders to select their ‘People’s Choice’ Young Enterprise Managing Director of 2012. Simply go to www.nzica.com/voteMD to learn more about the finalists and vote for your preferred young business leader. The winner will receive an iPad for their school.

ENDS

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