Regional Winners Olivae from Waimea College

They then produced three teas, two blended (olive & boysenberry, olive & lime) plus a pure, olive leaf tea. The delicious, fruity ingredients came courtesy of Little Beauties, who supplied a combination of freeze-dried and dehydrated fruit.

Awards judge, Cam Burns from Shuttlerock says, “The winning team

Olivae created a unique and innovative tea brand that is well differentiated in the multi-billion dollar global tea market. The customer-centric product has strong branding, clear health benefits, and ultimately tastes great.

The overall business model presented and the progress made to date are a testament to the group’s teamwork, resilience, and ability to embrace change.” Chris Williams of Burger Culture says, “It was a really hard conclusion to come to this year as the competition was so good. My vote eventually went to Olivae in the end as I just felt it was the most rounded, polished, and complete business proposal. All the ākonga should be very proud of the mahi they had done, and I wish Olivae all the best in the finals. Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui.”

Judge, Sarah Derecourt of Mediaworks says, “Olivae scored well right across the board, however, I was particularly impressed by their understanding of the marketing mix. Olivae garnered lashings of free press and were able to grasp the relative strengths of different media, using each to their best. Something even seasoned marketers can struggle to do well.”

The Food Factory having foodgrade kitchens is integral to the production process. Lou Smith General Manager of The Food Factory says, “’This programme empowers and inspires these young adults to truly discover their potential. The Food Factory is incredibly proud to play a big part in this journey”.

Olivae took home a trophy and each student in the team was awarded a $1000 dollar Massey University scholarship. Plus, Waimea College won “The NMIT/ Te Pukenga Winning School Award” this is a $5000 scholarship from NMIT/ Te Pukenga. Wayne Jackson from NMIT/Te Pukenga presented Waimea College Principal, Scott Haines, the prize.

Haines says he’s very proud of the team and the college’s business studies department which supports and mentors all the students “Olivae have worked consistently hard throughout the year, so it was a proud moment watching them present their pitch to the judges at the regional final, and go on to win.”

The Chamber’s Trina Zimmerman is the Young Enterprise Regional Coordinator and has observed the team in action throughout the year. “This group of determined young women created an innovative business that is simply a class act, they stood out from the start of the year and consistently demonstrated the ability to face challenges head on and go above and beyond what was required in creating and building their

They have produced a delicious product and a business that is profitable and scalable.”

Young Enterprise Head, Ian Musson, was impressed with the local teams that took part in the YES programme this year.

“The community should be proud of the young entrepreneurial talent being developed in the Nelson Tasman region. These young people are unconventional thinkers which is exactly what the world needs, and although only one winner could be chosen, each team presented incredibly well and have set a great pace for next year.”