The Lost Larder Wins Top YES Award
Business news is presented by
The Lost Larder from St Peter’s College has been named the 2025 Southland Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) Company of the Year, following a high-energy regional final held at SIT Centrestage Theatre on Wednesday 29 October.
The student-led venture stood out among five finalists, impressing judges with its refined New Zealand eel pâté and a strong sustainability focus. Presenting to an industry panel in a Dragons’ Den-style pitch, The Lost Larder was praised for its well-validated concept, professional execution and plans for national growth.
Rachel Lock, CEO of McIntyre Dick and presenter of the top award, said, “The calibre of ideas and execution from our student companies this year was exceptional. The Lost Larder stood out for a well validated service, sharp execution, and a compelling growth story. Southland should be proud of these emerging entrepreneurs.”
The Lost Larder also picked up two additional category awards: the Vet South Primary Industry Award and the Rio Tinto | NZAS Sales & Marketing Award.
Alongside them, several other student businesses were recognised. La Lueur (Verdon College) received the SBS Bank Financial Excellence Award, Ako Kiwi (James Hargest College) won the South Port NZ Resilience Award, and Aroha (Aparima College) earned the ILT Murihiku Mover & Shaker Award. Millie McFadzien of The Lost Larder was also named Southland Young Entrepreneur of the Year by Community Trust South.
YES Southland Regional Coordinator Nikita Rohloff highlighted the dedication of students this year. “Our YES teams have put in countless hours this year - customer interviews, late-night prototyping, market days and real-world problem solving and tonight was about recognising that mahi. It was very special to see them celebrated on stage in front of their families, friends, teachers and sponsors. We’re incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved and excited to see where they take these ventures next.”
The Lost Larder will now represent Southland at the National YES Awards in Wellington this December.
Special recognition was also given to Aparima College teacher Lynne Grove, who was named YES National Teacher of the Year. Her years of support for young entrepreneurs were acknowledged with a formal invitation to the national awards event.
The evening featured live pitches from finalist companies Glamour Glasses (James Hargest College), La Lueur (Verdon College), Sticky Steps (Southland Boys’ High School), Tiki-ni-Moana (Aparima College), and The Lost Larder (St Peter’s College). The event was supported by the Southland Business Chamber and a range of local sponsors and organisations.