Business Student of the Year Award

This award recognises a current Business School student who has demonstrated achievements in service to the community, communication skills, academic performance, extracurricular activities and knowledge of world issues.

Competition information

The Business Student of the Year award recognises students holistically based on:

  • Service to the community
  • Communication, including written, informal and prepared speech
  • Academic commitment
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Business, national and world events

Eligibility

All full-time students currently enrolled in the following at the University are eligible:

  • Bachelor of Commerce
  • Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Property
  • Bachelor of Property (Honours)

Students enrolled in conjoint degrees are also eligible, as long as one of their degrees is Commerce or Property. Students must have completed at least two semesters of study before they are eligible to enter (either at the University or another tertiary institute).

Finalists from previous Business Student of the Year competitions can re-apply but previous winners cannot.

Assessment process

Candidates for Business Student of the Year must submit:

  • A one-page cover letter explaining how you meet the above criteria by answering the three questions detailed on the application form
  • A transcript of your complete academic record at the University of Auckland including any conjoint degree
  • A copy of your CV (maximum two A4 pages)
  • A completed application form

Applicants are not expected to demonstrate strength in every area. You are encouraged to highlight the experiences and contributions that best reflect your strengths, impact, and commitment.

Judging process

  • Finalists will be selected by the judging panel by 21 September
  • Finalist Judging Event is held on 1 October

Stage 1 of the judging process
For Stage 1, each finalist will participate in a five-minute interview with each judge. The topic of the interviews may include:

  • Your extracurricular activities
  • Your involvement in community, voluntary and service
  • World events
  • National events
  • Business events
  • Role of ethics in business
  • Career plans

Stage 2 of the judging process
Each candidate makes a five-minute speech on the topic. The topic will be announced to the finalists when they are shortlisted. This will take place in an open forum with invited guests including friends and whānau.

The prizes

The winner will receive:

  • $1,000 prize money
  • Photo and brief bio on the Business Student of the Year web page
  • Name plaque on the Business Student of the Year shield

All finalists are invited to an event with representatives and business leaders from a variety of firms

There will also be a Judges' Choice Award with a cash prize.

Applications

Apply Now

Previous winners

Danielle Ouwehand, Business Student of the Year 2025 winner holding her awards

Business Student of the Year 2025 - Danielle Ouwehand

Danielle Ouwehand is a fourth-year Law and Commerce student who majors in Marketing and International Business. Her multidisciplinary perspective is reflected in her success across university consulting and marketing competitions, where she’s been recognised for both strategic insight and communication excellence. Complementing her academic achievements, Danielle is deeply engaged in leadership and community service. As an executive team member at SavY, Danielle delivers empowering financial education workshops in high schools across Auckland. Additionally, Danielle leads the University’s Women in Business Connect Mentoring programme, creating opportunities for female commerce students to find community and gain industry exposure. Through her academic and extracurricular pursuits, Danielle demonstrates a strong alignment between her values and actions, positioning her as a purpose-driven future leader.

Previous winners

  • Business Student of the Year 2025 - Danielle Ouwehand
  • EY Business Student of the Year 2024 - Zach Kirby
  • EY Business Student of the Year 2023 - Luke Davis
  • EY Business Student of the Year 2022 - Nandini Singh
  • EY Business Student of the Year 2021 - Britney Clasper
  • EY Business Student of the Year 2020 - David Saul
  • EY Business Student of the Year 2019 - Madeleine Tilley
  • EY Business Student of the Year 2018 - Isabel Kelly
  • EY Business Student of the Year 2017 - Kanika Solanki
  • EY Business Student of the Year 2016 - Morgan Archer
  • EY Business Student of the Year 2015 - Elizabeth Vincent
  • EY Business Student of the Year 2014 - Ben Reynolds
  • EY Business Student of the Year 2013 - Devi Malhotra
  • EY Business Student of the Year 2012 - Meili Han
  • EY Business Student of the Year 2011 - Jessie Lin

Frequently asked questions

  • Do I have to be nominated by someone else?
    No, you nominate yourself and fill in the forms yourself.
  • Do I have to be strong in every category?
    Being strong in every category may be an advantage; however, a candidate that is strong in any of the four categories could still be successful in the selection process.
  • Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
    Students with a 9.0 GPA are welcome to enter but there is no GPA minimum. The format of BSOTY will consider the range of attributes possessed by each candidate.
  • What is expected in the Service to the Community section?
    This section focuses on your contribution back to the community you live in. It may be a contribution to a student club or an organisation outside of the University. It will almost certainly be a volunteer activity.
  • What is expected in extracurricular activities?
    This section is any activity that is not part of your study at University or your service to the community. It has a wide scope, including but not limited to: sport, employment, music, arts, your own business, or any other similar activity.

Contact us

For more information, please contact:
Email: bizcareers@auckland.ac.nz