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"It made a big difference being able to work on the business full-time over the summer rather than having to seek employment elsewhere."

Master of Engineering in Management
Master of International Security (Massey)
Bachelor of Commerce in Management Science

Summer Startup Programme 2015/16
Entré $85K Challenge 2015

• Managing Director, Little Yellow Bird

What were you working on in the Summer Startup Programme?

I was working on Little Yellow Bird which is a corporate uniform brand. We provide customisable, ethically make apparel to different businesses and then connect them with a community development project in a developing country. I was also working on my MEM thesis alongside the programme and was able to integrate my thesis with the work that I was doing with my business. I ended up doing my thesis on market validation for Little Yellow Bird.

How did Little Yellow Bird start?

Little Yellow Bird started off as an idea that I submitted to the entre $85K Challenge last year. We won the Sustainability and Social Enterprise award. After that I headed over to India looking for factories to produce our products and scoping potential sponsorship projects. When I got back I headed into the Summer Startup Programme.

How did your business change being in the programme?

The business has moved to focus more on corporate customers rather than also offering retail. We have WooHoo NZ Tax Refunds on board now and also have some good leads with other business that we are working on at the moment. Overall the programme was really beneficial and it was good to work in the ΢��ҕ�lE space surrounded by other like-minded people so you can bounce ideas around and have that support.

What do you do on a day to day basis?

I am responsible for managing production runs of our business shirts. I also talk with clients about their requirements for upcoming orders, manage accounts, pitch to potential clients and network to try and generate leads or seek advice.

What do you enjoy about being your own boss?

I really like the flexibility of it, but I think the coolest thing about what we do is the people that we sponsor. You can easily see the impact that we are making on their lives just by providing them with work and support.

Where do you want Little Yellow Bird to progress?

I would like to take Little Yellow Bird international. It would be really great to also develop some of our own community development programmes in India and other developing countries. Later on in the year we are going to head over to San Francisco to Kiwi Landing Pad. There we hope to sell to US businesses and establish new networks with companies.

What were you doing before the programme?

I have previously been a Logistics Officer in the New Zealand Airforce. My job there involved acting as supply chain manager for maritime air operations. I managed a team of people that looked after aeronautical equipment that was essential in the maintenance of aircraft.

What was your most memorable moment from the summer?

I would have to say winning the BNZ Startup Alley Competition then presenting in Webstock. I am not sure how we would have gone if we didn’t have the support of ΢��ҕ�lE to help us refine our pitch before the competition.

What was BNZ Startup Alley and Webstock like?

It was really good. We got great exposure to lots of different people from different industries and we got to listen to some really incredible speakers.

What other support has ΢��ҕ�lE offered you?

The biggest thing would probably be the financial support of the Summer Startup Scholarship. It made a big difference being able to work on the business full-time over the summer rather than having to seek employment elsewhere. There were also networks to take advantage of and there were always workshops and presenters which were really helpful. Rachel is also really good for her constructive criticism.

What advice would you give to a student considering starting up their own venture or considering applying for the Summer Startup Programme?

Just do it. I can’t see any drawbacks to just giving it a go. Even if you don’t have an idea for your own business or project, there are so many ideas that are generated in the ΢��ҕ�lE environment that it is just a really valuable space to be in.

Contact Information

Email: info@littleyellowbird.co.nz
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"Being here you get a better understanding of what it’s like to start a business and the difficulties trying to maintain and grow it."

Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Arts in Māori and Indigenous Studies (Minor in Te Reo Māori)

Summer Startup Programme 2015/16

• Project Lead, Kaiapoi Pā Rejuvenation Plan
• Research Assistant, Lexington Legal

What are you working on in the Summer Startup Programme?

I am working on a rejuvenation plan for the Kaiapoi Pā. I was approached about the land as many people visit the site but leave feeling underwhelmed. There is concern that the land does not get the respect it deserves, given its cultural and historical significance. My job is to come up with a way that we can give the site more integrity and to get people to understand and see the site the same way that we do. We want people to be able to connect with the site and its history.

Why is the Kaiapoi Pā so significant?

The Kaiapoi Pā site was established around the year 1700 by Ngai Tahu chiefs settling from the North Island. The site became the central hub for over 1000 Ngai Tahu people, but more importantly it was the final resting place for a lot of those people. The site was under siege for three months in 1831 when Te Rauparaha and his northern followers came down killing many in battle and taking those who could not flee as slaves. These people were returned in 1834 by the son of Te Rauparaha seeking forgiveness and peace was established. In 1898 Reverend Canon Stack erected a 28 foot high structure to commemorate the deaths of those who lived there. This structure was the tallest structure in New Zealand until 1920.

At what stage is your project at the moment?

I am in the process of creating a road map of how we will go about achieving our goals, getting funding and engagement. Funding is the last thing that I am working on at the moment and once that is finished I will have a full strategy that can be carried out by the trustee of the site who I am working with. He will work with historians, artists and other people to get the project underway.

What does a typical day at ΢��ҕ�lE look like for you?

Very busy! There is a lot of things that I need to look into from a legal standpoint. Because the land we want to develop is heritage land it has its own archaeological value so things like the Resource Management Act come into play. I have to research into processes we need to go through before we start work and disrupt the land. We need to get consent from the Heritage New Zealand and I also need to find out about funding for the project. I have found lots of funding out there but need to determine which ones are appropriate for different aspects of the project.

How are you finding the Summer Startup Programme?

Awesome, it has been really cool to be here. Last year I went through a pretty tough time personally but I found a lot of support here. I have made a lot of really good friends and have grown as a person – particularly in my own confidence. ΢��ҕ�lE is such a supportive environment. Some people find their projects harder than others but we all want each other to do well. I think it has been a really good experience and I am really glad that I did this course. It has also been really helpful learning about business. We have so many guest lecturers and I always walk away seeing business for what it is really about – the people. I can put faces to local and national businesses now. Being here you get a better understanding of what it’s like to start a business and the difficulties trying to maintain and grow it. I have a new appreciation for business people now.

Where do you want your project to go?

I am hoping that this project will create a snowball effect that will eventuate into something bigger. The work that we are doing isn’t an individual project, it is something that we need to get a lot of people to come on board with. I hope that the site will be something that everyone will be proud of for generations to come – that’s why it’s so important. So many people connect with the land from different backgrounds and ethnicities. It needs to get the respect that it deserves.

What are you doing besides the Summer Startup Programme?

I am getting ready for my move up to Hamilton where I will pursue the next stage of my learning journey. I am not much of a planner, I do what I enjoy that I hope I will be able to use in my future. I have enrolled in a full immersion Māori programme at the University of Waikato. I think the programme will allow me to grow and gain more skills that I will be able to use later in life.

What has your most memorable moment in the Programme been?

I would have to say pitching in front of everyone. I love public speaking. I have participated in mooting with the School of Law through my studies and I was lucky enough to moot in front of Justice Whata of the High Court in 2014. In the Summer Startup Programme, you have to present in front of a panel of judges from industry and ΢��ҕ�l. They come at you with lots of different questions and you have to think on your feet. My first practice pitch was terrible, but with practice and a lot of touching up I walked away from my final presentation knowing that I had given my best pitch. You have an opportunity to rise up to the challenge and do well. I guess it comes back to what you want to get out of the programme.

What support does ΢��ҕ�lE offer you?

Rachel is really helpful. I have had a lot of breakthroughs in my project because she helped me expand my thinking when I was thinking too narrow. The other students are really supportive as well. Everyone is there for you both for your project and on a personal level.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start up with own venture or applying for the Summer Startup Programme?

Make sure that you are working on a project that you are proud of and that you are prepared to put the effort into. It really is a lot of work and you have to put so much into it. You have to make sure you are doing something that you are passionate about and that starting your own business is not just for the money. If you have something that you are passionate about then go for it. I recommend the Summer Startup Programme. There is a wealth of knowledge in ΢��ҕ�lE and you get to learn from people that have done it before. You can pick up a book but to talk to people who have been there and learn from their own experiences – that is the best way to learn.

"The Centre for Entrepreneurship put you in touch with the right people that you otherwise wouldn’t meet."

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) in Photography

Summer Startup Programme 2015/16

• Digital Creative Executive, Vodafone xone
• Founder and Director, In Situ Photo Project

What are you working on in Summer Startup Programme?

Currently, there are no opportunities for Fine Arts graduates to showcase and exhibit their work in Christchurch. I have been working with ventures like Place in Time who are working on this amazing record that doesn’t get to be shown because there are no photographic spaces around the city. I want to change this.

So what is In Situ Photo Project?

In Situ Photo Project is a new not-for-profit organisation. We combine a dedicated photography gallery in the heart of Christchurch with an inclusive community engagement programme. We aim to attract and keep intelligent and talented individuals in Christchurch by expanding our cultural platform and providing opportunities for emerging artists.

How have you progressed by being a part of the Summer Startup Programme?

When I started I just had the idea of hopefully opening a gallery one day. Now I have been running the project space for over a year, we have curated and shown eight exhibitions, and we're working towards the opening of a space or spaces for a 2017 (and further) programme. On a daily basis I am in contact with artists, I am meeting business and networking connections, and I am writing about upcoming things that are happening.

How are you finding the Programme?

It’s really good. I have met a whole new friend group of amazing people. I feel like it has consumed my life but in the best way possible. The connections and the contacts that everyone seems to have makes moving forward in any venture so much easier.

What are you doing besides the Programme?

I am the Digital Creative Executive at Vodafone xone. In this role, the skills that I've gained through running the gallery prove to be incredibly transferable - instead of dealing with artists I deal with tech start-ups, instead of planning gallery openings I'm planning sessions for participants in our accelerator programme, and instead of applying for funding I am helping people consider investment. I also try to keep up my own photographic practice!

What are your plans for the future?

I hope that the gallery will become a permanent space within the Christchurch art scene. I would like it to be a job for someone, to employ people to contribute, as well as creating something that people keep wanting to come back to. I hope to foster relationships so that other spaces like this can be realised within Christchurch and New Zealand, particularly in the use of vacant space for creative organisations.

What is the most memorable moment from the Summer Startup Programme?

When you begin pitching your idea and you realise it’s the kind of thing that people get excited about – not just you. It is so exciting to have that support. It is really cool to realise that other people are passionate about what you are doing as well.

What support have you received from being in the Summer Startup Programme?

Contacts and connections. The Centre for Entrepreneurship put you in touch with the right people that you otherwise wouldn’t meet. They encourage you to be more confident in your own plans and ideas. You get to be around intelligent, like-minded people who want to do new and exciting things – it’s the best.

What advice do you have for someone looking to start their own venture?

Absolutely go for it. Surround yourself with people who are going to be excited on the days that you are not. Just take every chance that you get. I accepted some offers in the beginning because I just wanted things to be happening, but I had to turn them down later because I kept being offered better opportunities because of the progress I was making. I guess what I am trying to say is that you need to be willing to say yes to everything – you can always revise later. I would definitely recommend the Summer Startup Programme. My experience at ΢��ҕ�l has been world class and I would not change it for anything.

Contact Information

Email: mail@hannahwatkinson.net
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"I encourage every student who has any entrepreneurial spark to do it because it is definitely worth it. Even if your business doesn’t work out in the end, at least you gave it a go and you will gain insight on what to do differently next time."

Bachelor of Commerce in Strategy & Entrepreneurship and Management

Summer Startup Programme 2015/16, Entré $85K Challenge 2015

• Owner Operator, TipRun

What is TipRun?

TipRun is a full service rubbish removal company. We offer door to dump service for all types of rubbish across the greater Christchurch area. We can take green waste, recycling, furniture and appliances, and general waste. By doing this, we aim to divert waste away from landfill by recycling, donating and reselling.

How did you progress by being in the Summer Startup Programme?

Prior to the Summer Startup Programme is was a runner up in the entré $85K Challenge. When I initially came into the Programme, everything I did was pretty ad hoc and the services was less polished. Working through the programme everything became a lot more streamlined and everything is running more smoothly. A lot of what I learned came from the speakers and the tips and tricks they shared have been invaluable and I would have struggled to find that insight anywhere else. ΢��ҕ�lE is really good at bringing all of that together.

What does a typical day look like for you?

When I was in the Summer Startup Programme I spent most of my time organising jobs with clients, and working on establishing my business. I was in the Centre a lot and working less often but it was good to be in that environment working with everyone else, bouncing ideas of others and making friends. Now I am working a lot more, I spend most of my time out on jobs and am usually found at the dump or the scrap yard. I meet with clients, carry out work and answer calls and emails. I am at ΢��ҕ�l every now and then but I am generally always out and about doing a job somewhere.

What do you like most about your job?

I get to meet people from all walks of life. Some of the stuff I find on jobs is pretty exciting too, I have found an old pokie machine and a duke box. I find a lot of antiques too, there is a lot of cool stuff that comes up.

What are you aspirations for the future?

I would like for TipRun to grow and remain sustainable. I am eventually going to look at franchising or differentiating horizontally, I want to find ways that we can improve waste management and recycling in Christchurch through the rebuild.

How did you find the Summer Startup Programme?

It was awesome. It was a pretty invaluable experience. I learnt so much over the ten weeks of the programme and what I learnt has had more practical applications than I ever would have expected. I made some really good connections and hopefully some life-long friends.

What is your most memorable moment from the Programme?

There are too many! Having lots of speakers was great and a really good learning opportunity. It wasn’t just the educational/business side that I enjoyed but also the social side—playing Ping Pong and the ΢��ҕ�lE Christmas Party was great. There was never a dull moment in ΢��ҕ�lE.

What support did ΢��ҕ�lE offer you?

΢��ҕ�lE and being in the Programme put me in touch with lots of different mentors that helped me fast-track where I wanted to go with my business. We had 24/7 access to facilities—especially printing which was really handy for invoicing and stuff like that. There was also always someone around to give you feedback for your idea, no matter how crazy it is.

What advice would you give to a student considering starting up their own venture or considering applying for the Summer Startup Programme?

I encourage every student who has any entrepreneurial spark to do it because it is definitely worth it. Even if your business doesn’t work out in the end, at least you gave it a go and you will gain insight on what to do differently next time. I would say that it was the most well-spent summer that I ever had.

Contact Information

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"The Summer Startup Programme provided mentoring and exposure to influential business people in the Christchurch and New Zealand entrepreneurial ecosystem. This exposure would have been unachievable working on a venture by ourselves."

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechatronics

Summer Startup Programme 2015/16
Entré $85K Challenge 2015

• CEO, Wireless Guard

What do you enjoy about being an entrepreneur?

Everything is always changing, you are doing different tasks every day. It’s very different to your usual graduate role as I am the one in charge of the team and we as a team decide where we go and what happens. It is really cool to be able to be a spokesperson for something.

What were you working on in the Summer Startup Programme?

We were working on Wireless Guard and developing a small, low cost, retrofitable home security device. The product we developed helps individuals to keep track of their home security and whether or not doors and windows are closed and/or unlocked. Over the summer we were aiming to get to minimal viable product by the end of the programme. We spent a lot of time figuring out how to support the business in the market, sorting out distribution channels, business models and strategic partners.

How did you find the Summer Startup Programme?

It was good. ΢��ҕ�lE provided an environment where we were constantly surrounded by like-minded people who helped shape our personal development. The Summer Startup Programme provided mentoring and exposure to influential business people in the Christchurch and New Zealand entrepreneurial ecosystem. This exposure would have been unachievable working on a venture by ourselves.

What was your most memorable moment from the Summer Startup Programme?

The other people in the programme provided an amazing summer. It was awesome to be around people all working towards similar goals within the business context but also from a social perspective, it was a great way to spend a summer. Having dinner with Rod Carr after winning the final pitching was pretty memorable too.

What advice would you give to someone considering starting up their own venture or applying for the Summer Startup Programme?

Dive in. Make sure that you leverage all possible resources that are available to you. ΢��ҕ�lE provides you with office space, mentorship, speakers and networking and is really supportive of entrepreneurship even at the undergraduate level. You have fewer restrictions while you are younger and the risks aren’t as great so give it a go. Life is always more fun when you’re the boss anyway.

How did Wireless Guard progress by being in the programme and where are you now?

We won the entré $85K Challenge in 2015 and we had a full working prototype. Through participating in the Summer Startup Programme, we gained a provisional patent, came first in the ΢��ҕ�lE pitching at the end of the programme, placed third at BNZ Startup Alley, gained entry to and completed Lightning Lab Digital in Auckland and now we have just entered Vodafone Xone back here in Christchurch.

What was BNZ Startup Alley and Lightning Lab Digital like?

BNZ Startup Alley and Webstock provided us a chance to pitch our business and product to a large audience. This provided us with further validation and peer assessment and it also gave us an opportunity to do a large amount of networking with people in the New Zealand digital space. The more people you know in the industry you are working in, the better off you are. Coming out of BNZ Startup Alley we also got flights to San Francisco and a connection to Kiwi Landing Pad.

Since then Wireless Guard has been over to the US to discuss our product with key players in the connected home market. This has helped direct our go to market strategy.

As for Lightning Lab, this allowed us to focus purely on Wireless Guard inside a 3 month programme. The most valuable part was the exposure to Auckland business ecosystem. Through Lightning Lab we were able to:

• Set up advisory board
• Build connections with NZ service partners
• Build relationships with international companies through these connections

What are your aspirations for the future?

Wireless Guard is dedicated to increasing preventative security tools and their availability to households in the 21st century. This is performed by providing products and solutions to allow consumer facing automation platforms to seamlessly adopt preventative security measures. The overall effect is an increase in peace of mind and security cover provided to households by the connected home ecosystem. Over and beyond Hatch, Wireless Guard intends to continue pushing the boundaries of security cover for homes, and individuals.

Contact Information

Email: contact@wirelessguard.co.nz
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"Being in the Summer Startup Programme was one of the best summers that I have had. Not only in terms of developing my business but also meeting so many people, making lots of new friends and new connections that will be useful for the future."

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Chemical and Process Engineering

Summer Startup Programme 2013/14 and 2015/16

• Founder, Peak to Plateau
• Administrative Support at ΢��ҕ�l Centre for Entrepreneurship

So you have been in the Summer Startup Programme before?

Yes I was in the programme over the summer of 2013 and 2014. I was working on My Five Meals which aimed to bring a low-cost version of My Food Bag by delivering recipes and ingredients to customers every week.

What were you working on this time around?

This time I worked on Peak to Plateau which is a high performance outdoor clothing company. I source yak wool from the Tibetan plateau as yak wool is warmer, softer and more breathable than Merino. It also provides a viable source of income for the yak herders.

Where did the inspiration come for your new idea?

I went travelling in 2015 for three months in Mongolia and Central Asia. I spent some time while I was there living with yak herders and found out about yak wool and its properties. I found it surprising that it wasn’t being used in the manufacture of garments despite it being a good fibre for outdoor clothing. I also discovered that the herders were relying on cashmere from goats as their main source of income rather than utilising the yak wool too. After my time with the yak herders I went to Singapore and applied for the Summer Startup Programme and started researching and developing product ideas. I also spent some time finding manufacturers before coming back to New Zealand and going into the Summer Startup Programme.

How did the Summer Startup Programme help you with your business?

Being in the Summer Startup Programme made me more accountable and gave me the funds to get the initial product development done. I also found having so many speakers and mentors come through has helped a lot with fine tuning the way I do things. My presentation skills have also improved significantly.

What support does ΢��ҕ�lE and the Summer Startup Programme offer you?

I would have to say that the funding was the main thing. In addition to that, because I was working on my business myself, being in the programme and being surrounded by likeminded people on a daily basis really helped. I found it to be incredibly motivating being around people who are all working on a business too. There is also a little bit of healthy competition—when you see other people doing well it only pushes you to do better. You also have access to heaps of mentors and business people who have experience because they have been where you are and can give you advice and an outside perspective on your business. It is easy to fall in love with your own idea but a fresh perspective is really helpful.

What is your most memorable moment from the Summer Startup Programme?

I would have to say the final presentation day and being in the top 10. I actually really enjoyed being questioned by the judges at the end as I could see the result of all my preparation and hard work.

What advice would you give to a student considering applying for the Summer Startup Programme?

Being in the Summer Startup Programme was one of the best summers that I have had. Not only in terms of developing my business but also meeting so many people, making lots of new friends and new connections that will be useful for the future. A lot of opportunities arise from it that go well beyond the ten or so weeks of the programme. However, I would only recommend doing it if it is something that you are actually committed to. You will get a lot more out of it if it is something that you genuinely want to do, rather than because you have nothing else planned for the summer. It takes more than an idea to start a business so you need to be committed to putting in some hard work too.

What are you doing now?

I am still working on Peak to Plateau, I have just had my first run of product arrive. I also work giving administrative assistance to ΢��ҕ�lE around my classes and working on my business. I am really enjoying being involved in the ΢��ҕ�lE events rather than just being a guest. I find that I am able to build a better connection with the people who come to speak and mentor. On the side I am also helping Mum start up her own cosmetics company.

How does your day-to-day compare to when you were in the Summer Startup Programme?

In the Summer Startup Programme I spent most of my time on product development, working with manufacturers, practicing pitching and listening to speakers. Now my focus has shifted to marketing and preparing for Kickstarter, looking for people to test and promote my product, managing social media and developing the website. At ΢��ҕ�lE I help out with events and write stories for the newsletter and the ΢��ҕ�lE blog.

What do you like most about being an entrepreneur and working on Peak to Plateau?

I enjoy being able to do different things everyday rather than just repeating the same thing all the time. One of the most interesting things for me has been working with overseas manufacturers and suppliers.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I want Peak to Plateau to be the leading, or biggest yak wool outdoor company and to be well-known around the world for its quality and sustainability

Contact Information

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"It’s just really interesting being surrounded by such a diverse, intelligent group of people who are solving problems that you never even realise existed."

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Chemical and Process Engineering
PhD in Flash Pyrolysis of Biomass for Renewable Chemical Production

Incubator Programme 2016
Summer Startup Programme 2015/16

How did you find the 2015/16 ΢��ҕ�lE Summer Startup Programme?

I thought that it was very useful in giving me a good overview and understanding of everything that goes behind taking something from an idea to a real business. I learned a lot about the overarching structure of entrepreneurship and it was great go to all the workshops and seminars and meet people from the local business community.

What were you working on in the 2015/16 Summer Startup Programme?

I was working on Sunflower Camping, a three day campsite located on private land to accommodate the overflow of Rhythm and Vines festival goers in Gisborne. Essentially another camping ground closed down and there was not enough accommodation for the volume of visitors to the region over the festival period so we stepped in. Despite a successful first year and selling out, we are unable to reopen for the coming season. The land since then has been redeveloped and the other co-founder has since moved from Gisborne.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on a new business – a hand driven espresso machine. I was approached by a fellow coffee enthusiast who came up with the idea and asked me if I wanted to jump on board as I had previously bought a lot of coffee from him. Though I am mainly working on the business side of things, using what I learnt from last summer, I am also using my background in engineering to help with the design and build stages

Where is the business at the moment?

We are just producing our second prototype at the moment. I told my partner about my experience from the Summer Programme last year and convinced him that we should apply. In anticipation of finding out whether or not we get into this year’s programme we are trying to do as much of the tangible work as we can before the programme starts so that we can hit the ground running.

What do you find interesting or cool about being involved in the startup space?

I like being surrounded by the people here – everyone is doing something different but can also relate to your venture and what you’re going through. Everybody is really driven and committed to their own ventures and they put so much work into them which makes a really positive atmosphere. It’s just really interesting being surrounded by such a diverse, intelligent group of people who are solving problems that you never even realise existed.

What support does ΢��ҕ�lE offer you?

΢��ҕ�lE is a place to come and discuss my ideas or anything that pops up in the entrepreneurial world, which is exactly what happened with the coffee machine project. I never would have known where to go to get support for the venture if I hadn’t done the Summer Programme last year. It has really given me a place to come with all those questions and know that there is always someone to ask. Coming from an engineering background with no experience in business, it’s really cool to have that avenue so close.

What advice would you give to a student considering starting up their own venture or getting involved with ΢��ҕ�lE?

Just take advantage of the opportunity and do it. Don’t over think it, if you have a strong passion for your idea then you are going to leave really happy, having learned a lot in the process – more than you ever would have doing it alone. You will be surprised how many people relate to you and how a passing comment from someone in the Centre is just what you need to help you get on your way.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I am aiming to finish my PhD next year and then perhaps take a well needed break! Eventually I would like to try and merge my engineering background with what I have learned through the Centre and start my own business. My interest are in renewable energy/sustainable consultancy, so perhaps I will build something in that space.

"The networking opportunities and connections that you gain from being in the programme are invaluable. We are able to find out exactly who we need to contact to help us figure out how to keep the venture going."

Master of Commerce in Taxation & Accounting
Bachelor of Commerce in Taxation & Accounting

Summer Startup Programme 2015/16

• Co-Founder, Health Logistics

What are you working on in the Summer Startup Programme?

I have come on board to help Courtney with Health Logistics which she started in the Programme in 2014/15. She needed someone with the financial knowledge and skills for budgeting and managing finances, I guess I was the logical choice.

So what is Health Logistics?

Health Logistics is aimed at increasing the availability of disability equipment. Our research has shown that there are over 60,000 New Zealanders who don’t have access to the equipment that they need. Health Logistics is a pick-up and delivery service that will benefit patients by increasing the availability of this equipment.

How have you progressed by being a part of the Summer Startup Programme?

The venture has progressed a lot since being in the Summer Startup Programme this summer. We have changed the approach we are taking and have pivoted our strategy. We are now addressing the same problem the venture was initially, but we are taking a different approach. We were looking at creating an equipment library, but now we are focusing on improving on what is already available. Instead of buying new equipment, we are working to better utilise the equipment that has already been purchased by DHBs.

How are you finding the Summer Startup Programme?

It is good. We have met heaps of different people. Just the other day we set up a meeting with one of the guest speakers that came in and presented to all of the students. The programme has offered lots of opportunities for making connections and networking by exposing you to lots of local business people and entrepreneurs. The talks are always interesting – you are listening to real industry experts.

What does a typical day in ΢��ҕ�lE look like for you?

We do a lot of work on market validation for our venture. We basically do a lot of research and learn as much as we can about the sectors that we want to operate in. We use that to prepare proposals for local entities that we want to work with. We also work on our business plan. If we can do the planning well then we can make it easier to get the venture going.

What are you doing besides the Summer Startup Programme?

I am a Accountant at Mathieson Chartered Accountants. I do general tax compliance work, provide business advisory services, and do GST and tax returns. Because I am working for quite a small firm, the things I do on a day to day basis vary a lot. One day I could be working on a GST return and the next I could be doing an information memorandum for an investment proposal. I also studying towards an MCom in Taxation.

What do you think you will do your thesis on?

My thesis seeks to explore look-through companies (LTCs) from a tax practitioners’ perspective. Specifically, LTCs will be compared with their predecessors, loss-attributing qualifying companies (LAQCs), in order to evaluate the efficacy of New Zealand’s closely held company regimes.

What are your plans for the future?

We are trying to establish a pilot programme for Health Logistics. I think the main thing for us to do right now is determine if it is financially feasible and then if it is, roll it out on a bigger scale. I would definitely consider working on the venture full-time if it took off.

What is the most memorable moment so far?

Getting into Unreasonable Labs. We only really did it because Rachel let us know about it and then helped with our application. If we weren’t in the Summer Startup Programme we probably wouldn’t have hear about it and wouldn’t have considered applying for it. It was Unreasonable Labs that helped us pivot and redirect the venture in a better direction.

What was Unreasonable Labs like?

If was really full on. It was five days full-time and it was really intense. Every single day was jam packed full of activities. In that one week where we were in the programme, we probably made a months’ worth of progress.

What support have you gotten from being in ΢��ҕ�lE?

The networking opportunities and connections that you gain from being in the ΢��ҕ�lE are invaluable. We are able to find out exactly who we need to contact to help us figure out how to keep the venture going. Sometimes when we have hit a wall we have reached out through the ΢��ҕ�lE network and someone has helped us figure out how we can move forward and make our path clearer.

What advice would you give someone looking to start their own venture?

Fall in love with your problem, not your solution. We were too stuck thinking about the solution that we were missing other opportunities and potential solutions. Once we changed our focus to the problem we found better and different solutions. You need to take a more holistic view and look at what you are doing as a whole. Once everything was put into perspective we found much better ideas.

"Without ΢��ҕ�lE I never would have pursued running my own business. It would have been something that I would have always wanted to do but probably never would have gotten around to as I don’t think I would have known how."

Bachelor of Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Laws

Summer Startup Programme 2014/15 and 2015/16

• Co-Founder, Health Logistics

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So you have been in the Summer Startup Programme before?

Yes I was in the programme last summer working on a disability equipment library. The aim was to source equipment and loan it out for a much smaller fee. At the end I worked out that it wasn’t viable without a large investment.

What are you working on this time?

I really wanted to continue developing my initial venture but this time we are taking a different approach. The core of our venture focusses on helping a lot of people who currently go without disability equipment. Our esearch shows that people struggle to get access due to time and financial constraints. There are also problems where equipment isn’t returned and that means that there is less equipment available for others to use. Because of this, we have pivoted from our initial idea to a pick-up and delivery service for disability equipment - Health Logistics. I also got Harry on board to be a part of my team because he has the business knowledge that I felt the venture needed.

How does the programme this year compare to last time?

It is really different. Last time I was completely new to entrepreneurship and business. I think the environment in the Centre for Entrepreneurship is really different – in a good way. Having people like Rudolf come in is really helpful and interesting. Last time we didn’t have external guests come to talk and I think having speakers from industry makes a big difference.

How have you progressed by being a part of the Summer Startup Programme?

When we came into the programme we were focusing on providing people with access to disability equipment but we have progressed a lot since then. Now we are hoping to get a pilot programme to test if our idea will work and how.

How are you finding the Summer Startup Programme?

It’s really good. I like all the speakers. I don’t have a business mind, so I have learned about a lot of things that I wouldn’t have otherwise known if I hadn’t come into the programme. I am enjoying being in the Centre for Entrepreneurship, last year when I was in the programme we were just in this one room. The new environment is really good.

What does a typical day in ΢��ҕ�lE look like for you?

A lot of my time is spent on the business plan and market validation. I am also constantly meeting with people, people who have come in as guest speakers and offered their time to the students here. This whole programme has just been one big learning experience for all of us, most of what we are doing is new to a lot of people. You have to get used to having to change and adapt so that you can keep your venture going and progressing.

What are you doing besides the Summer Startup Programme?

I coordinate the volunteers for the Prison Information Service which I got into through The Howard League and Community Law. I go into the local prisons and work with the inmates who have submitted an issue that they need help with. I go and interview them, takeaway the facts and conduct research into the issue. Then I go back and provide them with the information.

What are your plans for the future?

I would like our venture to grow. I think that it could move into providing a service for all of the District Health Boards around the country and private hospitals. I am enjoying the business and entrepreneurial side now even though my interests are mainly in criminal law. I think that at the heart of it, I really like the idea of advocacy and advocating for people who can’t. I guess that that is essentially what we are trying to do with our venture and what I want to do in my career.

What is the most memorable moment so far?

Probably getting into Unreasonable Labs. Rachel is really good at letting students know about any opportunities, both internal and external to ΢��ҕ�l. Rachel helped us with our application and after going through a selection process we got in.

What was Unreasonable Labs like?

It was pretty amazing, Unreasonable Labs was a hyper accelerator. We had so much work packed into five days, we were able to test a lot of our assumptions and pivot with our idea and steer it into a better direction.

What support have you gotten from being in the Summer Startup Programme?

Lots. I don’t think I ever would have done anything that I have without someone like Rachel to offer support and feedback. I think that without the programme I never would have pursued running my own business. It would have been something that I would have always wanted to do but probably never would have gotten around to as I don’t think I would have known how.

What advice do you have for someone looking to start their own venture?

Make sure that you have a team. It can get quite lonely doing it by yourself, it helps to have other people and their expertise and ideas. The Summer Startup Programme is the coolest way to spend your summer. You learn so much and if at the end of the day your idea doesn’t work you will walk away with a wealth of knowledge.

"I was introduced to lots of business people who came into the centre to deliver presentations and run workshops. I found it really valuable having access to those people and being able to learn from their business and life experiences."

Bachelor of Commerce in Strategy & Entrepreneurship and Business Economics
Electrical Apprenticeship (ETITO)

Summer Startup Programme 2015/16, Entré $85K Challenge 2015

• Chief Executive Officer, VoltCuffs

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What is VoltCuffs?

VoltCuffs are a wrist worn electrical hazard safety device. They continuously monitor for live voltage and automatically alert the user when their hands are in dangerous proximity to hazards, such as live wires, so that a serious accident can be avoided. The device also records all of this information so that it can be analysed and used for improving safety practices and work place procedures.

How did you progress from an idea to being in the Summer Startup Programme?

I was invited to the entré $85K Challenge awards evening in 2014 and was motivated by the event to submit my own idea and turn it into a business. I quit my job and enrolled in a BCom at the start of 2015 so that I could be eligible for the competition. The $85K competition was an incredible learning experience and taught me the skills I needed to start turning my idea into a business. I ended up coming second equal which came with some outstanding prizes which went a long way towards continuing development of my business. From there I applied for the Summer Startup Programme which gave me the opportunity to carry on working on my business over the summer break.

What did a typical day look like for you in the Summer Startup Programme?

I spent most of my time at ΢��ҕ�lE attending presentations from guest speakers and carrying out work for VoltCuffs. This included setting up meetings, catching up with mentors, communicating with my CTO, creating drafts for designers, discussing ideas and concepts with other students in the programme and also having regular ping-pong breaks.

What support did ΢��ҕ�lE give you?

Being a part of the ΢��ҕ�lE Summer Startup Programme I was able to gain mentoring from experienced people like Rachel. I was introduced to lots of business people who came into the centre to deliver presentations and run workshops. I found it really valuable having access to those people and being able to learn from their business and life experiences. The scholarship money meant that I didn’t have to get a summer job to pay the rent so that I was able to fully focus on VoltCuffs.

What is your most memorable moment from the Summer Startup Programme?

Definitely the opening ceremony at the end of the Summer Startup Programme and being one of the finalists to present to everyone. I also enjoyed the speakers over the Programme, they made a pretty big impression and provided a great example of the success to be gained from putting in the hard work to create a viable business.

Where is VoltCuffs now?

We are just about to start our fist small scale production run which will get field tested by twenty local electrical workers in Canterbury. If everything goes well, we can start taking pre-orders and we will be looking for investment so that we can start full scale production and expand the business.

What are you plans for the future?

I would like to get VoltCuffs to the stage where we can sell our product all around the world and for it to be a proven factor in preventing injuries and accidents in the construction workplace. I want it to be a viable and sustainable business that I can continue to grow and develop. I have also been chosen to be one of two students attending Entrepreneurship Avenue in Vienna this year.

What is the Entrepreneurship Avenue Conference?

Entrepreneurship Avenue is the largest student entrepreneurship conference in Austria. There are supposed to be over 1000 people attending, most of which are students. The conference itself is designed to inspire and encourage students to get into entrepreneurship and start their own businesses. I also get to attend a workshop and visit co-working and incubator spaces while I am over there.

You must be excited, what do you hope to get out of it?

Very. This is a really awesome opportunity and I am really looking forward to being in such an amazing environment. I will get to learn first-hand about the start-ups that are coming out of Europe and get insight into what start-ups are doing in that part of the world and what separates the successful ones from the rest. I will be exposed to high levels of expertise in the start-up and entrepreneurship space. I think that it will be a pretty intense, high energy and fast paced experience which is what you would expect from a conference full of entrepreneurs. I imagine there will be a lot to take in but I would like to come away having made a whole lot of new friends from all over Europe that are just as passionate about business as I am.

What advice would you give to someone considering starting a venture or applying for the Summer Startup Programme?

Make the most of the time that you have in the Programme and take advantage of all the experience that is around you. Talk to as many people as possible as they can provide you with valuable insight, fresh perspectives and business knowledge that can really help you start up. Sometimes just talking to an industry expert can give you an indication of whether you are on track and can also give you new ideas for ways to evolve your business to get it to where it needs to be to find success.

Lastly, what do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur?

I get to create a new product that could save lives, time and money for an entire industry. I also get to meet some impressive people that have been down the road less travelled and can share their unique experience from the amazing life that successful entrepreneurs create for themselves.

"It was really good to be in a space with so many out-of-the-box thinkers that all have these totally different perspectives, degrees, ages and ways of thinking. ΢��ҕ�lE is a great space for growth."

Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology (Honours)

Summer Startup Programme 2015/16

• Founder, Ability Platter

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What project were you working on in the Summer Startup Programme?

I spent the summer working on Ability Platter. Ability Platter aims to connect people with impairments to businesses that can meet their needs. Ability Platter is a social enterprise where companies pay a subscription each year and their customers can provide feedback about their business based on suitability for people with impairments. I want to make it easier for these people to access opportunities and services in New Zealand and to help them to find passion and purpose.

Where did inspiration for this project come from?

My sister was born with spina bifida. Life has been hard for her, it’s difficult to find accessible services like educators, sports teams, places to go and things to do. Currently there isn’t anything that helps this so I thought that I might be able to make it better. I started thinking about my degree and how I could incorporate that so I started looking at all impairments, not just mobility. I found it interesting that previously I hadn’t considered even half of what people might go through on a day-to-day basis and how hard life can be for some people. Now I find it hard to convince other people about the huge issues that people with impairments face.

What did a typical day look like for you in the Summer Startup Programme?

Most days I would come into the Centre, work through emails, study and do some research. A lot of what I did focused on validation which was hard due to most businesses shutting down over the Christmas break so it took a few weeks before people got back to me. The momentum really picked up at the end though and I ended up getting a meeting with the CDHB.

What are your aspirations for the future?

If nothing else, I hope that I can help to create awareness around impairments. Ultimately the goal of the project is to help people with disabilities gain access to jobs, sports, social outings, cultural activities and education.

Where is your project now and how did it progress by being in the Programme?

It has taken a back seat to finishing my honours degree at the moment. However, I'm exploring potential ways to integrate this into a masters degree possibly for next year. There are lots of decisions to be made in the next six months so it should be an interesting journey!

How did you find the Programme?

Awesome. It was really good to be in a space with so many out-of-the-box thinkers that all have these totally different perspectives, degrees, ages and ways of thinking. ΢��ҕ�lE is a great space for growth. Having speakers come and talk about success and failures was really integral to the programme too. Ultimately it was a really cool way to meet new people and make new friends.

What is your most memorable moment from the summer?

I really loved the final pitch presentations. It was great to see what everyone went through over the few months we were together and then see them come out at the end and the progress that they made. I was really proud of everyone. I was also glad when I got to do my pitch too.

What support did ΢��ҕ�lE offer you?

I got all kinds of support which I found helpful. I got a lot of direction which meant that when I got stuck or didn’t know what to do next Rachel would be around to provide new directions, ideas and suggestions. Having speakers come in and talk was also great and having them available to talk one-on-one too. They were able to help me find other contacts and offer advice and pathways forward. There were days when you questioned if it is even worth continuing, but you have that support surrounding you that reminds you that what you are doing is important.

What advice would you give to a student considering starting up their own venture or considering applying for Summer Startup Programme?

Definitely do it. It’s the best summer ‘job’ you could get really. When you are young, coming into the startup scene, the Programmes is a really good opportunity to have access to. Later in life you might want to do something but won’t necessarily have the support structures around you, so it’s good to give it a go while you can.

"We were also able to meet with some of the speakers on an individual basis to get help, talking to someone who has done what you are about to do can make a real difference."

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechatronics

Summer Startup Programme 2015/16
Entré $85K Challenge 2015

• CTO, Wireless Guard

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What were you working on in the Summer Startup Programme?

We were working on Wireless Guard which is a smart security product. Essentially, it detects whether a door or window is locked, unlocked, closed or open and communicates that to your smart devices. My role as Chief Technology Officer means that I oversee all the technical development of our products. At the moment this mainly involves embedded hardware and working on software design.

How did Wireless Guard progress by being in the programme?

In 2015 we won the entré $85K Challenge, but at that stage we just had an idea and a working prototype. Getting into the Summer Startup Programme is what really launched us forward. We spent a lot of time focusing on trying to get the project perfect. Now we have realised that we are better off putting our effort into getting the product usable for our customers so that we can get it to market. Once we have done that we can then look at perfecting all of the small details, increasing usability, and making updates and developments.

Where is Wireless Guard at the moment?

We are currently in Auckland where we will be for three or four months while we are in the Lightning Lab Digital Programme. I would like to see our product go to market, which at this stage is looking to be in November this year. After that I think we will focus on growing the company and look into other products.

How did you find the Summer Startup Programme?

It was good. I learnt a lot, particularly with regards to the business side of things. I spent most of the time meeting lots of people and working on road maps for where we want the project to go. All of the talks were really helpful and give you a different perspective on your business. We were also able to meet with some of the speakers on an individual basis to get help, talking to someone who has done what you are about to do can make a real difference. Rachel has been a huge help and getting the scholarship was very helpful so that I could concentrate on the business over the summer rather than working elsewhere. Going to BNZ Startup Alley and getting into Lightning Lab at the end of it too was pretty amazing.

What was BNZ Startup Alley like?

It was pretty good. We participated in the BNZ Startup Alley competition and placed third. We won a trip to San Francisco later in the year after Lightning Lab. We also got to present at the Webstock Conference. Webstock is more of a web community and we are more engineering. Regardless, it was really interesting getting to go into that space and seeing what people in that area expect, learn about good design practice and that kind of thing from their perspective. I think what we learnt will be helpful in the future if we need to move into the web space.

What advice would you give to someone considering starting up their own venture or applying for the Summer Startup Programme?

Have a talk to someone who has done the programme before. I think that doing this would help you figure out what you are going to do when you get into the programme so that you can hit the ground running. Also work out a plan and start setting up meetings as quickly as you can. Talking to people is really helpful. Just be mindful to take each piece of advice as a grain of salt as too much advice can be overwhelming and at the end of the day it is your project. It does all seem to come together at the end though – even if it doesn’t feel like it will some days.

Contact Information

Email: contact@wirelessguard.co.nz
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Ngāti Whawhakia, Ngāti te Wehi, Ngāti Punjabi, Ngāti Pākehā

"The programme was inclusive from a cultural standpoint – I believe multiculturalism is vital for basic human interaction, cross-pollination of ideas and innovation."

Bachelor of Science in Management Science
Masters in Engineering Management
PhD in Māori Entrepreneurship

Bootcamp 2016
Summer Startup Programme 2015/16
Entré $75K Challenge 2013

• CEO, Kōkewa Ventures
• Project Coordinator, Te Tapuae O Rehua

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How did you find the Summer Startup Programme?

I found it hugely helpful. The programme was inclusive from a cultural standpoint – I believe multiculturalism is vital for basic human interaction, cross-pollination of ideas and innovation. I dabble in both the for-profit and social enterprise spaces, so it was great to spend time with a range of very diverse experts. Many of the guest speakers offered thought provoking presentations and I found myself questioning and testing their ‘way of doing’ with my own values. This reaffirmed for me that not every investor or mentor is going to be a good fit for you or your business, and that’s ok. It was really important for me to feel comfortable about where I come from, the things that drive me and how that influences what I do in business.

What project were you working on in the Summer Startup Programme and how did it help?

My agenda was multifaceted. I was here on behalf of Yoga in Schools, as a student of entrepreneurship and generally enterprising individual and. We were able to bounce ideas off experts to ensure that we covered all bases and that the business was ready to go to market in term 1. We got a lot of value out of information relating to IP protection, small business accounting and potential avenues for funding/investment. Making sure that we could answer all of the hard questions Rachel would fire at us was unbelievably helpful. We pulled together a lean business model and strategy which has proven invaluable when bidding for investment. Pitch practice was really effective not just for overcoming public speaking fears, but also for simplifying or removing all the ‘noise’ from conversations and proposals. Overall, I think the ΢��ҕ�lE summer programme helped the business to progress simply by having someone available to answer questions around the legalities of business.

Where is Yoga in Schools now?

Yoga in Schools is going strong. The programme is currently being implemented in seven schools and Letesha’s expertise is being requested from kura all over New Zealand. Yoga in Schools is about to launch a Yoga Warriors initiative which will reach out to whānau in Ōtautahi. These classes facilitate an intergenerational learning environment, allowing parents, grandparents and children to prioritise and engage in physical, mental and spiritual exercise together.

What is your most memorable moment from the Programme?

Definitely the final pitch. I am not the greatest public speaker and I was very nervous, but the support leading up to that final day and the satisfaction I felt after was unforgettable.

What advice would you give to other Māori students considering starting up their own venture or considering applying for the Summer Startup Programme?

Give it a go. Be confident in who you are and the values that you hold. I don’t think it matters too much whether your motivations for business are for-profit or not, by being part of this kind of learning environment you pick up skills and life lessons for navigating the future of enterprise. ΢��ҕ�lE is hugely supportive and diverse, and it was quite evident from the others that were part of the programme that social enterprise is on the rise. There’s something really powerful about having a social purpose drive your business and it was neat to see this being embraced by the majority.

What are you working on now?

I have been wanting to set up my own business for a while now. Back in 2013 I was an entré finalist for something totally different. In the meanwhile I’ve kept busy and waited for the stars to align, that is opportunity recognition, resource availability, and personal interest to build a business. So, Kōkewa Ventures is up and running, and I also have a job. I am still involved with Yoga in Schools here and there and am working on my PhD too. Kōkewa Ventures allows me to practice what I research in the context of my own business. I feel it gives me more credibility in the business world as a student/academic and vice versa.

What is Kōkewa Ventures?

Kōkewa Ventures provides Māori business facilitation and strategic support. Kōkewa is a spin off from my research on the social context of Māori entrepreneurship where I have been investigating the networks and support systems that are required for Māori enterprise to do well. It is hugely rewarding working with other Māori businesses in the region.

What do you find interesting or cool about what you do?

I find it interesting that we undervalue the innovation potential locked at the nexus of culture and technology but I think the opportunities that come from that are pretty cool. I think I’m lucky - I get to work with some cool people on some mean projects solving some wicked problems.

What did you do with entré in 2013?

TempME was a business idea that intended to align temp workers and individuals with spare time with odd jobs around Christchurch. We got into the Top 10 Qualifiers in what was then the $75K Challenge. We decided not to pursue the business idea and put our energy into other opportunities (more information).

What does a typical day look like for you?

As a PhD student, kaimahi and an entrepreneur I’ve had to learn to manage my time, which I admit I’m still not very good at. No two days are ever the same, and that suits me. Building and maintaining relationships with other organisations in the community is probably the most consistent activity.

So you are also employed, on top of everything else that you are doing?

Yes, as kaimahi at Te Tapuae o Rehua my role is to improve Māori ICT outcomes through collaborative action. This involves connecting and facilitating community and iwi-led initiatives, mobilising and focusing community resources, aligning ICT initiatives with tribal aspirations as well as pathway planning for Māori into STEM subjects, and ICT qualifications, employment and enterprise.

What other jobs have you had previously?

I guess I have always been one to float between jobs. Recently I did some research and tutor work with the suave Maui Labs team and management department. Prior to that I worked in the oil and gas, and manufacturing sectors to put my Masters and Bachelor qualifications into practice; and in another life I was an RA and a waitress.

What are you aspirations for the future?

First and foremost, I want to finish my thesis. I think my partner and supervisors would be proud to hear me say that. I have ambitions to grow the technical arm of Kōkewa and facilitate the creation of pathways for Māori into ICT.

Contact Information

"Working with someone else can be a blessing and a curse. It is great to have someone to bounce ideas off of but you need to recognise your own strengths and skills while also knowing what areas of the business you need help with."

Master of Commerce in Management
Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Ara)
Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education (Ara)

Incubator Programme 2016
Summer Startup Programme 2015/16

• Co-Founder of Snap Shot Me
• Co-Founder of SMART Consulting
• Project Director of 180 Degrees Consulting 2017

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Tell us a little bit about your background and previous experience.

During my time at Ara I was heavily involved in a number of student clubs and initiatives. I was the Co-Chair of the Student Council, Founder of the Ara Outdoor Leisure Club, Founder of the Ara Sustainability Club, and had an advisory role on the Health and Safety Committee. I was also involved in the development of the Strategy for the Ara Foundation Business Outreach Programme. I was part of the workshops and discussions they ran with government, council and businesses. They were trying to determine how to match what’s good for students (e.g. leadership development and work experience) with what’s good for businesses (e.g. influencing the next generation of leaders, giving back to the community). The ultimate goal was to identify students who showed strong leadership potential and place them in local businesses that were identified as having an interest in developing these types of students.

What project were you working on in the Summer Startup Programme 2015/16?

I was working on SMART Consulting, a consultancy firm that aims to build capacity for small businesses to implement sustainability practices. The inspiration for SMART Consulting mainly came from my family history. Growing up, my father ran his own business management consulting firm. It made sense for me to give it a go too and he has been a mentor from the start. I am also really passionate about sustainability. It’s a growing industry and it is receiving more and more recognition for its importance and the need to understand it.

Where is SMART Consulting now?

Last summer the business was focused on applying sustainability practices at an employee level with training and evaluation systems. We have since found that organisations are more interested in having a framework of “what is it and how do we implement it” in relation to their business and desired direction. Because of this we have decided to focus more on helping businesses to be strategic with their sustainability practices by providing them with the frameworks and processes they need. For me, the purpose of SMART Consulting is about getting experience to build a portfolio of projects for the future. These days when you finish your qualification and apply for jobs, employers are looking for graduates who also have work experience, but it’s often difficult to get relevant work experience while you’re studying. SMART Consulting is my way of getting both.

What project are you working on now?

As well as SMART Consulting, I am also working on Snap Shot Me. Snap Shot Me is a co-creation tool for curating time lapse imagery of tourist destinations. We have set up six stands around the country since July 2015 including Tasman Glacier, Mueller Lake, Hooker Valley and some Christchurch tourist hotspots. The signs prompt visitors to use the built-in camera stand and take a photo of the landscape. We then collate those images and put them all together to create a time-lapse for each location. We want to use Snap Shot Me as a means of increasing awareness of environmental issues while promoting the New Zealand landscape and how drastically it changes over the seasons. Visitors can use the imagery to identify areas of the country that they want to visit and see what it might look like at the time of their trip. DOC are backing our project and let us retro fit our camera stands to their existing site signage.

What are your plans for Snap Shot Me?

The process of collating and uploading images at the moment is a manual one. Despite all of our engagement to date being organic (no marketing or promotion has taken place), we are getting to the point where we can’t keep up with usage and need to upgrade the site so more processes can be automated. I have met with the CEO of Computer Concepts Limited and he likes our idea so much that he is helping us develop our business model. As well as automating processes, we would like to link in with other tourism organisations so that the website becomes a platform for visitors to be able to plan other aspects of their trip such as activities, accommodation and dining. Ultimately we want to provide a platform for discovering new adventures and then sharing those experiences online. We would like contributors to be able to see how a location has changed since they were last there and also to be offered recommendations on where they might like to travel based on where they have been.

What advice would you give to a student considering starting up their own venture or considering getting involved with ΢��ҕ�lE?

Make sure that you are able to commit to the project—especially in terms of the time you have available. Also, working with someone else can be a blessing and a curse. It is great to have someone to bounce ideas off of but you need to recognise your own strengths and skills while also knowing what areas of the business you need help with.

What do you find interesting or cool about being an entrepreneur?

I think Christchurch is at the point now where there are some really cool projects and ventures emerging. Though we still have a long way to go in terms of the rebuild, the entrepreneurial ecosystem is growing. I think we need to have clarity around why businesses are being supported – are we supporting them for the purpose of the Christchurch rebuild or because we want to see businesses grow for their own sake. I don’t think there is currently a general consensus regarding this.

What are your aspirations for the future?

With SMART Consulting, I am trying to gain as much experience and connections as I can in the short term before heading overseas. Next year I am off to Helsinki, Finland to conduct research for my master’s thesis. My thesis is looking at implementation strategies for sustainability practices. Finland is considered to be the best in the world at sustainability so I may as well learn from the best. Ideally I will have one of more firms to work with while I am over there and look at how they deal with their clients. We would also like to implement Snap Shot Me overseas. Finland is a small country with drastic seasonal change too, so this will be an opportunity to explore taking the business over there.

"Without ΢��ҕ�lE I never would have pursued running my own business. It would have been something that I would have always wanted to do but probably never would have gotten around to as I don’t think I would have known how."

Bachelor of Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Laws

Summer Startup Programme 2014/15 and 2015/16

• Co-Founder, Health Logistics

So you have been in the Summer Startup Programme before?

Yes I was in the programme last summer working on a disability equipment library. The aim was to source equipment and loan it out for a much smaller fee. At the end I worked out that it wasn’t viable without a large investment.

What are you working on this time?

I really wanted to continue developing my initial venture but this time we are taking a different approach. The core of our venture focusses on helping a lot of people who currently go without disability equipment. Our esearch shows that people struggle to get access due to time and financial constraints. There are also problems where equipment isn’t returned and that means that there is less equipment available for others to use. Because of this, we have pivoted from our initial idea to a pick-up and delivery service for disability equipment - Health Logistics. I also got Harry on board to be a part of my team because he has the business knowledge that I felt the venture needed.

How does the programme this year compare to last time?

It is really different. Last time I was completely new to entrepreneurship and business. I think the environment in the Centre for Entrepreneurship is really different – in a good way. Having people like Rudolf come in is really helpful and interesting. Last time we didn’t have external guests come to talk and I think having speakers from industry makes a big difference.

How have you progressed by being a part of the Summer Startup Programme?

When we came into the programme we were focusing on providing people with access to disability equipment but we have progressed a lot since then. Now we are hoping to get a pilot programme to test if our idea will work and how.

How are you finding the Summer Startup Programme?

It’s really good. I like all the speakers. I don’t have a business mind, so I have learned about a lot of things that I wouldn’t have otherwise known if I hadn’t come into the programme. I am enjoying being in the Centre for Entrepreneurship, last year when I was in the programme we were just in this one room. The new environment is really good.

What does a typical day in ΢��ҕ�lE look like for you?

A lot of my time is spent on the business plan and market validation. I am also constantly meeting with people, people who have come in as guest speakers and offered their time to the students here. This whole programme has just been one big learning experience for all of us, most of what we are doing is new to a lot of people. You have to get used to having to change and adapt so that you can keep your venture going and progressing.

What are you doing besides the Summer Startup Programme?

I coordinate the volunteers for the Prison Information Service which I got into through The Howard League and Community Law. I go into the local prisons and work with the inmates who have submitted an issue that they need help with. I go and interview them, take away the facts and conduct research into the issue. Then I go back and provide them with the information.

What are your plans for the future?

I would like our venture to grow. I think that it could move into providing a service for all of the District Health Boards around the country and private hospitals. I am enjoying the business and entrepreneurial side now even though my interests are mainly in criminal law. I think that at the heart of it, I really like the idea of advocacy and advocating for people who can’t. I guess that that is essentially what we are trying to do with our venture and what I want to do in my career.

What is the most memorable moment so far?

Probably getting into Unreasonable Labs. Rachel is really good at letting students know about any opportunities, both internal and external to ΢��ҕ�l. Rachel helped us with our application and after going through a selection process we got in.

What was Unreasonable Labs like?

It was pretty amazing, Unreasonable Labs was a hyper accelerator. We had so much work packed into five days, we were able to test a lot of our assumptions and pivot with our idea and steer it into a better direction.

What support have you gotten from being in the Summer Startup Programme?

Lots. I don’t think I ever would have done anything that I have without someone like Rachel to offer support and feedback. I think that without the programme I never would have pursued running my own business. It would have been something that I would have always wanted to do but probably never would have gotten around to as I don’t think I would have known how.

What advice do you have for someone looking to start their own venture?

Make sure that you have a team. It can get quite lonely doing it by yourself, it helps to have other people and their expertise and ideas. The Summer Startup Programme is the coolest way to spend your summer. You learn so much and if at the end of the day your idea doesn’t work you will walk away with a wealth of knowledge.