Auckland, 17th April 2025 – Coca‑Cola NZ proudly served as the Challenge Sponsor and Corporate Host for the 2025 Young Navigators Programme, an initiative developed by the Young Enterprise Trust to empower rangatahi Māori and Pasifika high school students (Years 11 to 13) from across Aotearoa.

Over two days in Tāmaki Makaurau, 36 of the most entrepreneurial Young Enterprise Scheme students came together to tackle a real-world business challenge aimed at fostering creativity, leadership, and sustainability-focused thinking.

This year’s theme - Reducing Waste in Public Spaces - inspired innovative solutions that emphasised environmental sustainability. Hayden Smith, Captain and Founder of Sea Cleaners, launched the challenge and joined the judging panel, sharing his expertise in sustainability.

Coca‑Cola NZ mentors, including Vena Leilua, Communications Manager, and Nicki Williams and Tina-Louise Withers from the Marketing team, provided invaluable guidance and coaching to student teams. 

Julie O’Toole, Managing Director of Coca‑Cola NZ, welcomed participants to the programme, highlighting the importance of nurturing young talent and encouraging innovative thinking. 

“It’s been a privilege to support this year’s programme and see the creativity, passion and leadership these young minds brought to the challenge,” she shared.

“Their thoughtful solutions to reducing waste in public spaces show just how capable and committed our next generation of entrepreneurs are when it comes to creating real change. At Coca‑Cola NZ, we’re proud to support initiatives that give rangatahi the opportunity to lead, grow, and shape a more sustainable future for their communities.”

The event concluded with a team of six emerging as winners. Team Accenture impressed the judges with their creativity and solution-focused approach to the challenge, pitching a business idea that turns waste into playground equipment.

Each winning team member received a $250 Prezzy Card in recognition of their achievements.

Coca‑Cola NZ’s involvement in this programme reflects its ongoing commitment to empowering communities through the Coca‑Cola in the Community initiative. By fostering the next generation of leaders, Coca‑Cola NZ continues to champion sustainability, innovation and meaningful impact.