8 November 2022

In October 2022, the North Asia Centre of Asia-Pacific Excellence (North Asia CAPE) partnered with Young Enterprise (YES) to deliver BizVenture China to 18 senior high school students from around New Zealand. The aim of the programme was to excite and educate young NZ entrepreneurs to learn more about China and the Chinese market, and its importance to New Zealand.

This was the first time North Asia CAPE had partnered with YES to run a programme focused on China. In four separate teams over six days beginning in Auckland and ending in Wellington, the students were challenged to develop market entry strategies addressing one of three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The business visits from the start of the week came into good use during the challenge and provided us with good insight into the Chinese market. Overall this trip was the highlight of my entire year!” Anouk van Seventer – Hastings Christian School

Students visited NZ businesses and met business professionals with experience in the China market. They received presentations from Ecostore, NZ China Council, NZ Māori Tourism, NZ Beef and Lamb, and NZ New Milk. The study tour was balanced with Kung Fu, Chinese calligraphy, and Chinese language immersion providing insights into Chinese culture.

“I feel like I have learnt a lot more about Chinese culture, I have gained a new perspective on China as a whole and have a newfound respect for what they value, as they value family and a family orientated culture and also the specific roles they have for each other.” Apirana Fruean – New Plymouth Boy’s High School

Congratulations to the winning team, Kapua. Kapua aims to provide high quality household sleeping products that combine Chinese Cultural tradition and the finest Merino wool NZ has to offer. Team members included Jordan Hemopo (Whitby College), Brendan Pol (Whangarei Boys High School), Dian Kun Yin (St Cuthberts College), Brielle Pierson (Christchurch Girls High), and Carson May (Saint Peters College, Palmerston North).

“(Team Kapua) are still working on our business, and fully intend on bringing our product to the Chinese Market. We are currently reaching out to mentors and seed-funding opportunities, looking to take our idea into fruition.” Jordan Hemopo – Whitby Collegiate

We would like to thank our judges at the end of the tour: Terry Shubkin – CEO (Young Enterprise), Charlie Gao (Director North Asia CAPE), Mr Zhixue Dong (Education Counsellor, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in New Zealand), and Dean Rawlings (Market Research Specialist, NZTE).

Special thanks go to Alistair Crozier from New Zealand China Council, Antje Fiedler from the University of Auckland Business School, Dean Pan from Ecostore, Kai Zhang from NZ New Milk, the team at ZURU, Hoki-mai and Richard from New Zealand Māori Tourism, and Elise Le Compte from Beef & Lamb New Zealand.