"For our sub-region to compete within a rapidly changing global economy, employers will increasingly require employees to have the confidence and ability to think creatively and outside the box," she said.
Hannah Payne from Tauranga Girls' College won the Senior Award as well as the Internship Award, securing a two-week work experience placement with Locus Research.
She designed gel cushion handles for crutches to prevent pain and bruising to the hands of those using them.
Next year will see a new award category sponsored by the Waikato Management School. The Innovation In Business Award will offer a scholarship for a postgraduate diploma in management studies, to the value of $8000.
The winners
Supreme Award:
Kyle Brown.
Junior Award:
Fergus Lellman and Lucy Maher (Aquinas College) for Kids Safe.
Highly Commended:
Brook Coombes, Holly Miners and Manawa Te Ahuru-Quinn (Mount Maunganui College) for Tap Cap.
Senior Award, first equal:
Hannah Payne (Tauranga Girls' College) for Charlie's Handgels; and Jaysha Tippins (Tauranga Girls' College) for spring back road marker.
Highly commended:
Briar Patel (Aquinas College) for water play activity.
Over 18s:
Kyle Brown for Offshore Rescue Craft Aotearoa (ORCA).
People's Choice Award:
Briar Patel.
Internship Award:
Hannah Payne for Charlie's Handgels.
