Top students to represent NZ in Asia Pacific trade challenge

NZ’s entrepreneurial future looks promising following the results of the regional heat of the FedEx/ Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge (ITC) held at Massey University’s Albany Campus.

Six finalists will represent NZ in Bangkok from August 24th to 26th, 2011 and will be competing for the Asia Pacific champions’ title alongside seven other Asia Pacific countries, and their 42 representatives.

The selected students are Lucy Campion and Tehya Reardon from St Cuthbert’s College, Auckland; Jaden Milligan from Christchurch Boys’ High School; Jake Mickleson from John Paul College, Rotorua; Sam Mackwell from St Thomas of Canterbury College, Christchurch; and Benjamin Reynolds Westlake Boys’ High School, Auckland.

These students had to produce a wool-based product and develop a market strategy to export the product to Sweden.

The budding entrepreneurs aged between 16 and 19, presented ideas to the judging panel in hope of making the final six.

Business proposals ranged from ‘Woolpaper’ – wallpaper that doubles as insulation while also being fire resistant – to woolen gloves made of a fabric which enables people to use their smart phones with their gloves on.

Lee Davies, FedEx country manager and one of the five judges, said there was a high standard of innovation and content from every team.

“There is exceptional talent emerging through the next generation of entrepreneurs. Not only were we all impressed by the immense creativity of these young students but also their exceptional team work,” said Davies.

“The students come from all over the country and are placed in a nerve-racking environment and are required to work under enormous pressure. They are not only faced with the business challenge, but also coping with new group dynamics.”

The six finalists will regroup in early August for a weekend workshop, where they will develop a unique NZ product and prepare to market it to the world.

The students will be mentored by experts from various disciplines in preparation for the week-long regional competition in Bangkok in August.