New Zealand Championeers was born from an idea of Kerran Larson, director and trustee of Southland Mature Employment Services (SMES) Ltd / Charitable Trust, about modernizing both the old “suggestion box” concept, and the process of attaining entrepreneurial funding. This was supported by fellow director / trustee Ruth Lieshout.

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These ideas were in response to rising enquiries from mature employees seeking redeployment in Southland, their goal was to create a platform that fosters innovation, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship.

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With the collaboration of Accountant Jayden Prattley, the idea grew into a dynamic initiative addressing declining employment opportunities while helping employees and entrepreneurs turn ideas into reality.