YOUNG BUSINESS LEADER AWARD
The Young Business Leader Award is for a person aged 35 or under who excels as a collaborator, leader and entrepreneur within an organisation, or as a business owner.
In addition to completing the application, entrants must be available to meet with our panel of judges. This in-person meeting is a mandatory component of the entry.
Mason Fitzgerald - Kiwibank Young Business Leader Award, Joint Winner 2025
Ella Sargent - Kiwibank Young Business Leader Award, Joint Winner 2025
Would you like to nominate someone for this award? Please follow the awards entry process, and choose the "Young Business Leader - Nomination' form. We will invite the nominee to enter, at your recommendation. If you are happy to encourage them directly to complete the entry form, that's fine too, we don't need a formal nomination. Self-nomination is also possible for this award.
Nominations are currently closed.
FROM THE WINNERS
"From the panel interview right through to awards night, the nomination process was genuinely empowering, especially as a young person navigating the business world. This award means so much on a personal level, but also for the wider Nelson region. It’s a reminder that the region is backing the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs, and that’s worth celebrating.
I’d recommend this process to any young business owner. If you’re looking to sharpen how you articulate what you do and where you’re headed, this journey will help you get there, as it certainly did for me.
A huge thank you to the Chamber of Commerce and Kiwibank for bringing this award to life. Receiving it at 22 is an honour I’ll carry with me for a long time."
Ella Sargent (Director, Manawa Māori)
2025 Kiwibank Young Business Leader Joint Winner
“It was an extremely humbling experience to be nominated and to go through the interview panel, with the opportunity to share my leadership journey and receive genuine feedback and encouragement.
In my view, everything either rises or falls on leadership. Celebrating awards like this encourages emerging young leaders to step forward, strengthen their connections, and grow their influence and relationships within the incredible business network across Nelson Tasman.
My sincere thanks to the Chamber of Commerce and Kiwibank for supporting this award. I’m deeply grateful for the recognition and honoured to be part of such an inspiring business community.”
Mason Fitzgerald (CEO, Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve)
2025 Kiwibank Young Business Leader Joint Winner
PAST WINNERS
ALICE HAZLETT
2024 Kiwibank Young Business Leader