Young Enterprise is a national competition that gives secondary school students the opportunity to develop and run their own businesses. Each year, more than 5,000 students participate, establishing over 1,000 businesses across New Zealand.

Dio’s four finalist businesses achieved impressive results, with several receiving awards for their innovation, creativity and business skills.

• Bare Oat, led by Bea Taniguchi and Jemima Garnett, took out first place in the Auckland Central region, securing a place at the National Finals in December. The business, which produces nut-free granola clusters, also received the Excellence in Finance Award.

• Immie Lamont’s The Movement Project, an e-commerce Pilates business, won the Excellence in Technology Award, recognising her innovative approach to delivering fitness services online.

• Fanua Crunch, founded by Eseta Tavui and Caroline Kennar alongside three students from Dilworth School, received the Excellence in Marketing Award for their taro chip business. The team will also travel to Wellington for the National Finals, where they are set to receive a further award.

• Sophie Schulze’s Memento, a business specialising in reusable fabric wraps, also earned a place among the top six businesses in the Auckland region, presenting her business at the finals.

These achievements reflect the creativity, determination and entrepreneurial skills our students have developed throughout the year. From product development and marketing to financial management and pitching, each team has gained valuable experience in bringing a business idea to life.

Congratulations to all 23 Dio Young Enterprise business groups who participated this year, with special recognition to our four Auckland finalists for their achievements.

You can support Bare Oat on their journey to the National Finals by visiting bareoat.com to learn more about their business or purchase their popular nut-free granola clusters, which have been a hit within the Dio community over the past six months.

You can check out all our 2026 Young Enterprise businesses on our website.