Mayor inspires students to follow their dreams

Mayor inspires students to follow their dreams

Living in New Zealand gives everyone the right to be successful – that was the message from Auckland City Mayor John Banks at the launch of the 2010 Young Enterprise Scheme (YES).

Speaking to 150 Auckland Central secondary school students, Mayor Banks also endorsed the importance of perseverance and an individual’s spirit for business success.

“There’s nothing quite like being in business, being your own boss, in charge of your own destiny,” says the Mayor, adding “None of your success is going to be easy, the road is going to be tortuous and mostly uphill, but you’ll get there with dedication.

“Keep your head up and be judged on how you pick yourself up, not on how you tripped over.”

The Mayor’s motivational comments came at the opening event for the national school based programme. Hosted by AUT, more than 300 Auckland central students from 11 secondary schools attended two entrepreneur days (E-Days) last week to kick start the year long programme that encourages innovation and enterprise.

Enthusiasm, energy and excitement was abound as students brainstormed and pitched their own business ideas which will form the backbone of their companies during the programme.

YES is a hands-on nationwide scheme requiring students to establish and run a business within the school curriculum. It fosters tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, giving them the opportunity to form a company, create a business plan, and produce goods or services to sell. Students learn all aspects of running a business including budgeting, decision making, identifying and managing risk, market research, marketing, selling, and annual financial reporting.

Enterprise North Shore, who facilitates the programme in Auckland Central, North Shore and Rodney, was delighted with the calibre of business ideas to come out of the launch. Chief executive Terry Hoskins says, “This is the first year we have run the programme in Auckland Central and it is fantastic to see the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the students.

“Innovation and entrepreneurship is vital to growing our economy and based on the impressive ideas generated by these students, the future of the Auckland economy looks extremely secure.”

More than 30 local business professionals provided “speed coaching” to the students during the e-days to provide advice and encouragement. “It is inspiring that so many students are ready to embrace the business world with vigour. The sky is the limit with many of these unique ideas,” says Sam Tangitau from Deloitte.

At the end of the programme, YES companies will be recognised at a regional awards ceremony held at the Auckland Town Hall on 12 October 2010.

ENDS

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