A young enterprise group from Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) has won the Business South Emerging Leader Award at the YES Otago regional finals at the University of Otago’s Business School on Thursday (October 16).

The event, which celebrates “the next generation of Otago entrepreneurs”, marks the culmination of months of dedication and creativity from secondary school students across the region, Business South said.

Students bring their own products to market and gain level three NCEA university entrance-approved credits at the same time.

This year’s programme involved 338 students from 14 schools throughout Otago, guided by their teachers, mentors, and the Business South YES team.

Thirty-five MAC students - with 12 products - took part in YES this year, with two groups making it to the regional final - Kitchen Canvas and Bug Free Bliss.

Kitchen Canvas - the Emerging Leader Award winners - produced tea towels featuring “time-honoured recipes passed down through generations of local families”.

“Each recipe tells a story of tradition and community, making this more than just a kitchen essential - it’s a piece of Wānaka’s living history,” creators Amber Leslie, Chloe Field, Leah Polk, Madison Hosking, and Caitlin Harridge said.

The event was won by St Hilda’s Collegiate School, with Nature’s Prime.

Judges included Dunedin City Council mayor elect Sophie Barker, Otago Business School Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Maree Thyne, and Business CEO Mike Collins.

PHOTO: Supplied