When it comes to encouraging creativity in children there’s plenty of research-based evidence showing that competition is one of the top ‘creative killers’.

So in a country likes ours which prides itself – and indeed whose future depends on -  being pioneering, inventive and creative wouldn’t it be a great idea to foster creativity in our next generation without using competition as the incentive?

In the business of successful communications, we know that so much depends on having a creative flow of ideas to ensure the way we relay information is fresh, relevant and understood. Indeed, one of our favourite creative tools – brainstorming – relies on welcoming and valuing every single idea without judgement to keep the sparks flowing.

And, I think this concept is even more important in young people. So I felt concerned after watching an episode of ‘Let's Get Inventin' – a TV show which teams Kiwi kids aged 10-17 with cool ideas together with top Kiwi inventors who bring their inventions to life.

Great idea – except the one factor which kept niggling at me; it all hinges on a competition. A winner is selected from the 24 entries, which of course means that the others are losers – and however nicely they’re congratulated they will naturally feel disappointed.

But they shouldn’t! ALL these Kiwi kids have created extraordinary inventions, ranging from rocket-launched fishing bait to solar-powered rat traps and even a sound-sensor road surface that lets you know when you’re driving at the right speed!

Wow. Only children have the freedom of thought to come up with quirky cool ideas like that.

Don’t get me wrong, I think the concept behind Let’s Get Inventin’ is fantastic - inspiring all children to tap into their natural creative zest by showcasing other children’s ideas and providing opportunities to develop them further. But does there have to be one winner?

I challenge the Goober Bros (Let’s Get Inventin’s producers) to be more co-creative and less competitive in how they encourage creativity in Kiwi kids – to ensure that their natural inventive zest lasts a lifetime.