On Saturday 13 September, more than 200 entrepreneurs, mentors, and community leaders will gather at the Māngere Arts Centre for the annual Generator Awards, which celebrate the achievements of start-ups created by people from low-income backgrounds.
Hosted by Ka Puta Ka Ora Emerge Aotearoa and supported by Ministry of Social Development (MSD), VISA and Ringa Hora, the Awards recognise the remarkable achievements of 31 Generites (graduates of The Generator programme) and 15 mentors and coaches who have overcome barriers of hardship to build thriving businesses.
A first-of-its-kind in New Zealand
The Generator Awards shine a light on enterprise emerging from financial hardship. Since 2019, The Generator has supported more than 1,700 entrepreneurs—79% Māori and Pasifika—with over $4 million in seed funding distributed nationwide.
“The Awards are a powerful reminder that innovation and entrepreneurship exist in every community,” says Therese Ireland, National Manager of The Generator. “We’re celebrating people who have built businesses through sheer perseverance, creativity and cultural strength—transforming not just their own futures, but their whānau and communities as well.”
Award Categories
- The Generator Ringa Hora VISA Fund: Fourteen entrepreneurs will receive contestable funding to scale their businesses, selected through a rigorous process of written applications, financial reviews and live presentations to judges including business leaders Agnes Loheni, Leo Foliaki, Fonteyn Moses-Te Kani, and Dr Anna Nelson.
- The Generator Network Awards: Seventeen awards will honour entrepreneurs and coaches who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, overcome significant barriers such as disability, incarceration or trauma, and made lasting community impact.
- Ringa Hora Sponsorship Grants: Recognising Generite businesses ready to scale through upskilling, events or networking.
Real Impact for Whānau, Communities, and the Environment
The Generator model is delivering strong returns for government and communities. Independent evaluation shows:
- 91% of funded participants continue to actively manage their businesses.
- $250k+ in annual savings to government as participants transition off benefits.
This year’s Generator Awardees reflect the diversity and innovation of entrepreneurship in Aotearoa. From couture fashion, resin art and eco-friendly services to award-winning food ventures, environmental projects, and cultural enterprises, their achievements are both local and global.
Highlights include TK Taito’s zero-waste couture designs, Danielle Adams’ resin art exhibited worldwide, Hamish McNeill’s bakery specialising in Paleo and Keto treats and Rata
Taiwhanga’s E Tū Rākau that grows kai, protects the environment, and strengthens communities through Māori-led, sustainable solutions. Others are breaking new ground in aquaculture, solar energy, mushroom-based products, car detailing, international coaching, and cultural leadership.
This shows how entrepreneurship can spark opportunity, strengthen communities, and inspire future generations.
Dignitaries and Community Leaders in Attendance
The Awards will be presented by an esteemed line-up including Cook Islands Consul-General Keutekarakia Mataroa, Lemauga Lydia Sosene MP for Mangere, Paulo Garcia MP for New Lynn, Tangi Utikere MP for Palmerston North, Christine Grice MSD Programme Manager, Safe, Strong Families and Communities, and Anthony Watson VISA Country Manager NZ and South Pacific.
About The Generator
The Generator, an initiative of Ka Puta Ka Ora Emerge Aotearoa, is funded by MSD to support people on low incomes to grow income through grassroots enterprise. The programme provides seed funding, coaching, and expert support to help participants launch businesses and improve financial wellbeing.