Since selling the Hyperfactory, the 33 year-old has established the Handley Foundation to develop New Zealand's entrepreneurial community and give grants to aspiring leaders. He is also a director of microfinance organisation Opportunity International and a founding partner of the Startup America programme.

The other emerging leaders awarded were Magritek CEO Dr Andrew Coy, IronMaori founder Heather Skipworth, lawyer Rebecca Elvin, Aotearoa Construction CEO and former rugby league representative Tawera Nikau and Netball New Zealand CEO Raelene Castle.

Canterbury Student Volunteer Army leader Sam Johnson was given a Special Leadership Award, while Dame Margaret Bazley won the Blake Medal. Past winners of the Blake Medal include Sir Ray Avery, Professor Paul Callaghan and Stephen Tindall.

This year's winners were selected by Sir Ron Carter (chair), Mick Brown, Sir Eion Edgar, Dr Lester Levy, Hon Fran Wilde, Sir John Anderson, Jane Huria and Alison Paterson.

The awards mark the launch of New Zealand Leadership Week, which is made up of more than 150 events in 14 regions.

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