The 16-year-old recalled standing at the counter of his local dairy at the age of 5 and complaining to the shopkeeper about the price of food - particularly the price of the lollies on the counter.
"I was pretty outspoken. The shopkeeper would laugh at me when I told him his lollies were too expensive. It didn't get him to give them to me any cheaper, but I've learnt a few more tricks since then."
When it comes to business acumen, Michael has a munificent supply. The Kaikorai Valley College year 12 pupil is studying accounting and economics at level 2 and 3 and plans to finish secondary school early to begin a commerce degree at the University of Otago next year.
He is the finance director on Namcap New Zealand, the school's Young Enterprise company, which competed in the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise 2009.
Michael and other Namcap New Zealand directors Ethan Duff, Niam Chronican, Chris Berry, Damon Reid, Curtis Beaumont and Phil Wilson won the Oral Presentation category of the competition, were runners-up in the Business Plan category and were third in the category for the company with the most investment potential.
Michael applied to become one of two representatives from Otago to compete in the 24-hour Global Enterprise Challenge 2009, as part of the Young Enterprise competition.
He was one of 80 pupils selected nationwide to attend the challenge in Auckland, which gives 16-19-year-olds the opportunity to develop their knowledge and experience of enterprise, through providing an environment where they can apply skills and develop their understanding in practical ways.
The challenge is issued via live web-streaming from Scotland, and pupils will work in teams to create an idea, a prototype, a business plan and a presentation, which will be judged by an international panel.
Ten Auckland-based businesses will host and mentor the teams, giving logistical, operational and resource support during the event.
Michael said he was "stoked" to have been selected to represent Otago at the challenge, and hoped he would be one of the six successful pupils from this event selected to represent New Zealand in the FedEx Express Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge in Bangkok in August.
"You've always got to aim for the top. Second place is first-place losers.
"I'm dedicated and I go to great lengths to get the job done."
Michael said his business acumen had been well honed over recent years, mostly by his time at Kaikorai Valley College.
Kaikorai Valley College technology department head and teacher-in-charge of the Namcap New Zealand team, Peter Dodds, said the Young Enterprise Scheme (Yes) at the college was unique in its delivery. It was offered as "Enterprising Technology" within the curriculum.
"This gives the students the added bonus of being able to be assessed against NCEA level 2 technology achievement standards, as well as the 24 NCEA level 3 Young Enterprise credits, which are recognised for university entrance."
Mr Dodds said the success of Namcap New Zealand was a just reward for the hard work and dedication shown by all the pupils involved.
