In Hawke’s Bay there’s an emerging culture of robust innovation, tech-based solutions, whizzing gadgets and puzzlingly complex datasets. But when you look closer, you see an undercurrent of individuals who want to solve problems, help others and care for the planet, and they do so through seemingly traditional means.
The Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) in Hawke’s Bay is not just another programme in schools; it’s a movement that embodies innovation, forward thinking, and solution-based reasoning. In a world marked by rapid change and uncertainty, youth get to work shaping the local business landscape.
YES, a New Zealand-wide initiative, offers students the opportunity to create and operate their businesses while they are still in high school. What sets Hawke’s Bay apart is the way our people harness this programme to foster an environment where young entrepreneurs can thrive, and where innovation is not just a buzzword but a way of life.
As the world continues to evolve at an astonishing pace, the fresh perspectives, unbridled enthusiasm and innovative thinking of young entrepreneurs have become invaluable assets. These young minds are not shackled by the constraints of the past; instead, they are guided by a vision of what can be. They challenge the status quo and are unafraid to ask “why not?”
Young people today are growing up in a world where change is constant, and they understand that innovation is not just about creating the next big app or gadget. It’s about finding creative solutions to problems, no matter how big or small.
Students in Hawke’s Bay have tackled issues as varied as sustainability, mental health, and the changing retail landscape. From eco-friendly fashion brands to tech startups focused on mental health awareness, students have shown that their innovation knows no bounds.
Future Leaders New Zealand representative Jope Berwick with Esta Chaplin, CEO of the Year National Excellence Award
They recognise that most successful businesses are not just profit-driven but purpose-driven, and they are eager to make a positive impact on their communities and the world.
The resilience and positive outlook displayed by these young entrepreneurs are perhaps the most inspiring aspects of their endeavours. They understand that setbacks and failures are part of the entrepreneurial journey, and they embrace them as learning opportunities rather than roadblocks. This tenacity is a testament to their unwavering belief in the potential of their ideas and the difference they can make in the world.
The emerging entrepreneurs of Hawke’s Bay also possess a remarkable ability to think ahead. With a focus on the future, they are not merely looking to meet today’s demands but to anticipate tomorrow’s needs. This forward-thinking approach is especially evident in their incorporation of sustainability into their business models. As environmental concerns continue to grow, these young business leaders understand the importance of being part of the solution, not the problem.
Posie Papers, from Karamu High School, are a group of Year 13 students who formulated a plantable, handmade and sustainable by-product of paper waste able to be used for multiple purposes including greeting cards, envelopes, drawing paper and floral wrap. These highly decorated students used incredible initiative to solve a problem they saw around themselves at school every day: the sheer volume of paper waste. They turned this byproduct into beautiful items with purpose, which can be planted in a customer’s own garden to give waste new life.
Posie Papers were awarded the 2023 Hawke’s Bay Young Enterprise Scheme Supreme Award and represented our region at the YES National Gala, where their CEO, Esta Chaplin, was awarded CEO of the year.
The Young Enterprise National Awards recognise outstanding young leaders who have demonstrated exceptional skills, innovation and commitment to entrepreneurship. It was Esta Chaplin’s remarkable achievements as CEO of Posie Papers that set her apart as a rising star in the business world, earning her the esteemed title of Young Enterprise CEO of the Year.
Esta has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and a keen entrepreneurial spirit throughout her tenure. Her strategic vision, dedication to innovation and ability to navigate the challenges of the business landscape have made her a standout figure in the field.
The award ceremony, held at the Tākina Conference Centre in Wellington, was attended by prominent figures in the business community, government officials and industry leaders. In her acceptance speech, Esta Chaplin shared her top five ‘souvenirs’ of leadership with the audience, including: “Discovering your most important values, learning how to connect your team, setting your goals, finding out how to maintain momentum and being thankful.”
As the local delivery partner of the Young Enterprise Scheme, Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce sends its warmest congratulations to Esta Chaplin on this well-deserved recognition. As an organisation committed to fostering innovation and supporting young entrepreneurs, the Chamber is proud to have Esta at the helm, driving success and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
So maybe, just maybe, young people won’t be building flying cars and highflying gadgets; maybe instead they’ll help us foresee a future of doing the same things better, bringing about a local landscape of innovative thinking with real-life applications, boosting local productivity and solving problems before they get too big to imagine.
Perhaps we’ll see this change in real time; perhaps we’re seeing it already.
