23 May 2023

In April 2023, we partnered with Young Enterprise (YES) to deliver BizVenture China to 18 senior high school students from around New Zealand.

This tour marks the second China-focused programme we’ve partnered with YES to run. In four separate teams over six days in Auckland the students were challenged to develop market entry strategies addressing one of two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The programme pushed me in so many ways both technically and personally. As expected, the programme unleashed me into the world into how business is conducted in China which was completely unexpected and enthralling.”
– Andre-Lee-Joe, Wellington College

Students visited New Zealand businesses and met business professionals with experience in the China market. They received presentations from Lilo Desserts, NZTE, Alpha Group, Grin Natural, Fisher & Paykel Appliances, NZ China Council, and Zuru. The programme was balanced with Calligraphy, Mixed Martial Arts, and Chinese language immersion providing insights into Chinese culture.

“Visiting Fisher & Paykel was my favorite business visit because it gave me key insight into how products needed to be adapted to suit the different demands within different markets.”
– Sophie Brand, Cashmere High School

Congratulations to the winning team, EcoSeal. They aim to produce a biodegradable food wrap that is good for the environment and will appeal to Chinese mothers. Team members included Susannah Sam (Newlands College), Daniel McNae (Tokoroa High School), Jacob Trunbull (Lincoln High School), and Amelia Zhang (Otago Girl’s High School).

“Before coming on this trip I never took into consideration that China plays a big part in terms of business with New Zealand, so it’ll be something that I keep in mind when continuing on my journey into the business world.
– Jacob Turnbull, Lincoln High School

We would like to thank our judges at the end of the tour Nathalie Harrington (Senior Solicitor, MinterEllisonWatts), Luke Qin (Trade Finance Lead, Kiwibank), and Charlie Gao (Director, North Asia CAPE).
Special thanks go to Alistair Crozier from New Zealand China Council, Libby Giles from CAPEs, and Xian Zhao from the University of Auckland.