The Dunedin Public Art Gallery played host on Wednesday evening, 17 October, 2018, to the Lion Foundation Otago Regional Young Enterprise Scheme Awards.

The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) is an entrepreneurial programme run in conjunction with the Level 3 Business Studies course at Otago Boys’ High School and provides the practical hands-on opportunity for boys to set up and run their own businesses over the course of the year.

After a year of competing in this competition six regional finalists were named. Otago Boys’ High School had three of the six finalists. Kuranga Cards - CEO Tim Dippie, The Journey of Life - CEO Alen Yeritsyan and Kit Bag NZ - CEO Samuel Scanlan-Ronald. 

Kuranga Cards proved to be the team of the evening winning three of the awards available including the overall Otago Regional Winner. Their product was a simple set of Te Reo Maori playing cards. That retailed for $10.

The team comprised Tim Dippie (CEO), Alexander Grant, Tom Howie, Reuben Wairau, Jordan Hand, Nick Washington, Taiaroa Flavell and Thomas Grant. Their win has earnt a spot at the national final in Wellington in December.

Giving back to the community and educating more people in basic Te Reo was one of their team goals at the start of the year. The team of Year 13 business studies students have sold over 400 packs of their cards, which are standard playing cards showing Maori translations of numbers, and Maori phrases. The cards continue to be available for purchase via the group's Facebook page.

The following awards were given out to Otago Boys’ High School teams during the evening:

YES Otago Regional Winner 2018: Kurunga Cards

Craig’s Investment Partners Best Annual Review 2018: Kurunga Cards

Kiwibank Best Financial Performance 2018: Kurunga Cards

PWC Social Enterprise Award 2018: Youth Assist

For any enquiries about the Business Studies course at Otago Boys’ High School or to get involved with supporting the boys as a mentor in 2019 please feel free to contact Business Studies teacher Mr Gwyn Pratley via his school email address: gwyn.pratley@obhs.school.nz