This year, WGHS had the honour of three of our Year 13 Business Studies groups selected as regional finalists in The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES). The businesses, Toi Rongoā, Azure Essence, and Bee Glo, all had the opportunity to attend the regional awards evening. This was a tremendous achievement, reflecting months of dedication, teamwork, and enterprise from these groups.
At the regional awards evening, each team had to present its business to a panel of judges, showcasing the problem their business aimed to solve, the solution they developed, their marketing and sales achievements, and how their venture advanced the quadruple bottom line (economic, social, environmental, and cultural outcomes). The team members only had a short timeframe to put their presentations together. The judges were impressed by the professionalism, clarity, and business acumen with which all three teams promoted their ventures and showcased their real-world skills. Each group represented Westlake Girls High School with outstanding pride and confidence.
We are especially proud of Toi Rongoā, who created a Māori Sign Language book for young children. This group’s enterprise stood out for its cultural awareness, creativity, and authentic social purpose. Not only did the girls meet the rigorous NCEA Level 3 Business Studies criteria while managing and selling their product, but their innovation was also recognised with the Regional Excellence Award for Social Enterprise. This team’s confident pitch went on to secure them the Runner-Up Company of the Year title in the Northern Region, an outstanding achievement. Toi Rongoā will now represent Westlake Girls at the National YES Finals in Wellington on 4 December. 
Congratulations to all involved for their remarkable achievements and for setting an inspiring example of enterprise and leadership.