Te Herenga Waka sponsored the New Thinking Gold Award at this years’ awards. This was won by Brooke Roberts, a marketing, international business, and finance alumna and one of the minds behind wealth app Sharesies.

When profiled by Te Herenga Waka a few years ago she explained the thinking behind the business was that, “we wanted to give someone with five dollars the same investment opportunities as someone with $500,000.” Sharesies was also recognised as the ACC Employer of the year.

Brooke regularly shares her experiences and expertise at talks for alumni and students, and is a current member of the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation board.

Other businesses recognised at the awards included Supreme and Supporting Gold award-winner Creative HQ, whose CEO Catherine Jones holds a Bachelor of Arts and Laws from Te Herenga Waka. Creative HQ have helped support more than 450 other companies through their startup programmes.

Emerging Gold Services award-winner, sustainability company Nonstop Solutions was co-founded by alumna Sophie Brooker; Vibrant Gold award-winner Wellington Phoenix FC is led by alumnus David Dome (the director of football is also an alum); Creative Gold winner Werk Agency is led by commerce and science alumnus Benjamin Johnson, and Green Gold winner The Capital Kiwi Project is the brainchild of alumnus Paul Ward.

“The depth of the University community’s involvement in these award-winning enterprises shows how our whanaungatanga extends beyond the institution, to continue to have a positive effect on our local and wider community,” says Deputy Vice-Chancellor Engagement and Māori, Professor Rawinia Higgins.

“We are extremely proud to be a sponsor of these awards. I want to congratulate all the finalists and winners.”