After supporting thousands through its ranks since its inception in 2009, New Zealand’s largest youth innovation programme, yia! (Young Innovator Awards) is set to celebrate its 15-year anniversary this month.

Yia! was first established to provide opportunities for intermediate and secondary school students to connect with businesses and develop their ideas through critical thinking, collaboration and communication.

Today, it isn’t just connecting current and future innovators, it’s also connecting whānau.

Ben Cain, a business partner at yia! sponsor James & Wells, has brought his innovation experience to the programme through workshops and judging this year for the first time.

Ben went home one day to tell his 13-year-old son about his experience as a judge, expressing his enthusiasm for the competition.

“It turned out he was involved too, working together with some of his mates to come up with a product idea that involved partnering with airlines to reserve seats on flights for overseas relatives in the event of a family member passing,” says Ben.

“I had no idea he was getting involved, and he didn’t know I was judging either. All I know is I’m really proud that he signed up, especially with such a great idea.

“For those that might find working in a team challenging, signing up with some friends to give it a go is a great way to get involved.”

With 128 entries this year from seven different schools, Ben says it was a tough ask to pick finalists in his categories.

Overall, 77 finalists were selected by 42 preliminary judges from innovative businesses from across the Bay of Plenty.

“I’m so impressed by the passion and creativity shown by all the entries.”

Ben believes it’s been a hugely beneficial experience for everyone involved, including for him and his son to share and develop ideas, but also for James & Wells.

“yia! perfectly matches our commitment to the Bay of Plenty community, and to getting involved in the innovation scene as much as possible.

“One of our mantras at James & Wells is to be champions of innovation – and to us, it means championing innovation internally and for our clients.

“But its broader than that, championing innovation out in our community for now and for future generations. yia! gives us a platform to do just that,” he says.

Priority One’s yia! Project Manager, Meg Davis, says the kaupapa benefits everyone involved, including businesses who play a critical role in shaping the future of local communities.

Meg Davis at a yia workshop. Images supplied by Saejung Oh-Walsh, Priority One.

“By providing internship opportunities through the programme, businesses can pipeline talent early, inspire and influence the next generation, and gain a competitive edge in the talent market,” she says.

“What’s special about yia! is that it’s inclusive - it’s open to any student from any background, all you need is an idea,” says Meg.

“Youth innovation isn’t just about creating something new; it’s about recognising the potential of new ideas, while improving or refining what already exists.

“Design Thinking is at the heart of this, and makes it accessible to everyone, no matter the scale of their concept.”

The final yia! workshop was on Wednesday 21 August, with the Awards event in Tauranga taking place on Wednesday 28 August.

If you’re an intermediate or secondary school student, or a business passionate about supporting local rangatahi and making a difference in our community, check out the yia! website: yia.co.nz/