Māori and Pacific Business Student of the Year Award

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

• Contribution to community and service (including whānau, and cultural or local communities)
• Communication, including written, informal and prepared speech
• Academic commitment
• Extracurricular activities
• Business, national and world events

This award recognises that leadership and excellence can be expressed in different ways, including through humility, service to others, and contributing to the success and wellbeing of those around you.

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 Māori and Pacific 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 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 6 August and will be hosted at EY for a Meet and Greet on 13 August.

Finalist Judging Event is held on 18 August.

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 webpage 
• 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.