2025 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalists announced

Pictured above: Mike Casey, also CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa.

Ernst & Young New Zealand has announced the 19 finalists for the 2025 EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards, spotlighting a diverse group of business leaders nominated for solving complex problems with future-focused solutions.

Representing 18 businesses across industries such as healthtech, clean energy, food production, fashion, education, and fintech, EY says the finalists are united by a shared commitment to innovation, impact, and purpose.

“Each year, the EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme showcases remarkable talent and drive, and this year is no exception,” says Jason Macgregor, Director of the programme at Ernst & Young New Zealand.

“There’s no singular path to entrepreneurship, which is what makes this group so exciting. They each bring something different, but they all share drive, clarity and commitment to executing their vision.”

From the world’s first fully electric cherry orchard to AI-powered SaaS tools built for small businesses, the 2025 cohort reflects a broader entrepreneurial trend: Building businesses that are both commercially successful and socially responsible.

“It’s inspiring to see how our local entrepreneurs are pushing boundaries and being noticed on a world stage for their leadership in making an impact,” adds Macgregor.

“With this group of finalists, we are confident in the future of business for Aotearoa.”

Finalists will be assessed by a judging panel chaired by Auror Co-Founder and CEO Phil Thomson, alongside past winners. One standout entrepreneur will represent New Zealand at the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year awards in 2026.

2025 EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalists

• Alliv Samson & Hengjie Wang – Kami
  An ed-tech platform transforming learning materials into interactive digital documents, used by over 50 million globally.

• Chris Benham – The Village Goldsmith
  Innovators in jewellery design, known for the patented Floeting® Diamond and luxury brand partnerships.

• Geoff Henshaw – Aeroqual
  Air quality monitoring solutions used in over 100 countries to support cleaner environments.

• Irinia Miller – Daisy Lab
  Creating dairy-identical proteins without cows using precision fermentation.

• James Annabell – Egmont Honey
  Exporting premium mānuka honey globally through sustainable practices and strategic retail partnerships.

• James Palmer – Community Finance
  Solving the housing crisis by raising low-cost capital for affordable housing through financial innovation.

• Kate Gatfield-Jeffries – Moodi
  A wellness brand creating functional supplements supporting women’s mental wellbeing.

• Jessica Wong – Yu Mei
  A luxury leather goods brand using regenerative New Zealand deer nappa and circular design.

• Lisa King – AF Drinks
  Makers of alcohol-free cocktails, leading a global cultural shift in non-drinking.

• Luke Campbell – VXT
  A legal-focused phone system integrating with practice software to streamline communication.

• Matt Hayter – ProjectWorks
  SaaS platform helping professional services firms with intelligent resourcing and project management.

• Michael Pope – Guild & Spence Technologies
  ICT and software solutions enhancing healthcare through real-time monitoring and system integration.

• Mike Casey – Forest Lodge Orchard
  Operators of the world’s first fully electric cherry farm under the Electric Cherries brand.

• Nick Lissette – Blackpearl Group
  Developers of AI-powered SaaS tools boosting SME customer acquisition and exporting to the US.

• Patrick Moynahan – Echo Tech
  New Zealand’s largest e-waste recycler, providing innovative reuse and repurposing services.

• Simon Malpas – Kitea Health
  Creators of the world’s first micro-implantable brain pressure sensor, improving chronic care.

• Taurus Taurima – Topline Contracting
  A Māori-owned civil engineering firm focused on community impact in Hawke’s Bay.

• Will Barker – Mint Innovation
  Recovering precious metals from e-waste using low-carbon, circular technology to decarbonise the metals industry.

The winners of each category will be announced later this year, with one taking out the ultimate title and representing New Zealand on the global stage.