Finalists announced in NESCAFÉ Big Break

Finalists announced in NESCAFÉ Big Break

Seventy-seven Kiwi youths are in with a chance to win AUD$20,000

Last year a 17 year old garage-based lettuce grower won. This year who knows who will get their Big Break to fulfil their dreams thanks to NESCAFÉ.

Seventy-seven young New Zealanders, including a 16 year old native freshwater crayfish farmer and young woman keen on becoming the fastest female drag racer in New Zealand have been announced as finalists in this year's NESCAFÉ Big Break programme.

The finalists have been chosen from more than 8000 Trans-Tasman entries - a stunning 92% percent increase on last year. They are now required to submit a detailed plan for their ideas in a bid to become one of 20 winners.

The winners will then be flown to Sydney in October to present their ideas to a judging panel comprising NESCAFÉ Big Break past winners. Sarah Raudkivi will be one of this year's judges. Sarah is New Zealand's top female fencer and won a NESCAFÉ Big Break in 2001 to train and compete in Europe.

NESCAFÉ Big Break is open to any young person with an innovative idea or special talent that needs a cash break to realise their dream.

Last year Hamish Williams of Palmerston North won AUD$20,000. He wanted to expand his already successful hydroponic lettuce business Fresh n' Fancy.

Starting from his garage at home Hamish grew a variety of lettuces and just couldn't keep up with the demand. He then relocated and leased a 'Tunnel House' where he now grows 1600 lettuces per week. This winter he has secured a contract with Pak'n Save.

"NESCAFÉ Big Break is about giving young people a helping hand to reach their dreams. The 'Big Break' is about letting youth have the freedom to choose their own path, and providing them with some money to chase those goals," says Hamish.

"With the money I won I have doubled what I was growing - and I still can't meet the demand!"

There are two age categories in NESCAFÉ Big Break - 16 to 19 years and 20 to 24 years. Six winners from each age group category will each receive AUD$20,000, and four runner-up winners will each receive AUD$2000.

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