Darja Nelson
Operating Partner, Bridgewest Ventures
Founder & CEO, KiwiLeather Innovations
Founded by Shelley, a lifelong advocate for waste reuse and up-cycling, our journey began in the quiet town of Papamoa. From a young age, Shelley showcased her talent in NZ Trash to Fashion competitions, transforming waste into wearable art. Inspired by her son’s work on kiwifruit orchards and the excess fruit that often went to waste, Shelley saw an opportunity during the lockdowns. Experimenting in her home kitchen, she began formulating a revolutionary vegan leather-like material using discarded kiwifruit. Three years of dedicated research and innovation have led to the creation of our signature product: a flexible, and water-resistant vegan leather with non-toxic, vibrant colours. At KiwiLeather Innovations, we are committed to turning waste into something wonderful, combining environmental consciousness with cutting-edge fashion and design.
Operating Partner, Bridgewest Ventures
Director of Science and Innovation, BioSouth
Chief Innovation Expertise Officer, Callaghan Innovation
Executive Director, Healthcare, Research at E&P Financial Group