The 2026 Waikato MBA Case Competition held on 7 March at Waikato Management School, brought students and alumni together to tackle a live business challenge—with the winning team advancing to the National MBA Case Competition later this year.
This year’s case featured Huski® and Smoco®, two innovative New Zealand brands founded by Waikato Management School alumni Simon and Meika Huesser, known for their award-winning reusable drinkware.
Over an intensive 24-hour pressure-cooker period, our MBA teams stepped into the role of consultants, analysing the business and developing commercial strategies for potential market growth.
A real-world challenge, assessed by industry and alumni
Each team presented solutions that were strategic, innovative, and actionable. Drawing on core MBA capabilities including market analysis, competitive strategy, stakeholder thinking, and persuasive communication, they demonstrated how classroom learning transfers directly into business decision-making.
The judging panel included Huski's co-founder Simon Huesser and Aaron Huesser (Senior Marketplace Manager), alongside soon-to-be Waikato MBA graduates Kathryn Drew and Sarah Hunt. They offered students practical feedback by the realities of business and the Waikato MBA experience.
Building lifelong connections and impact
For alumni, taking part in the case competition offered a meaningful way to reconnect, support emerging talent, and share their expertise—strengthening the Waikato MBA’s alumni network as a platform for professional development, mentoring, and lifelong learning. The case also highlighted how alumni-founded ventures can create value and impact beyond the classroom, driving responsible innovation and sustainability-focused business models.
Get involved in the next MBA Case Competition
Do you have a real business challenge that could benefit from fresh thinking? We'd love to hear from you.
Email mba@waikato.ac.nz to discuss submitting a case for the next competition.
