Papamoa College students have decided to take action, after noticing a gap in the Bay of Plenty market for affordable sanitary products.

Moraka Menstrual Cups is a student-run social enterprise that is part of The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme.

The scheme is a hands-on programme where students set up and run a business.

Moraka Menstrual Cups CEO Shuari Naidoo says the group's aim is to address period poverty and make sanitary products accessible to everyone.

'There are some girls who miss out on school as they cannot afford sanitary products.”

'No female should be disadvantaged by having their period,” says Shuari.

Sanitary Products in New Zealand Schools Fund supplies sanitary products to 36 schools around New Zealand.

Co-founder Soala Wilson thinks that being able to access sanitary products is essential to students' wellbeing.

'Students can feel confident in themselves and that will enable them to just focus on their school work.”

'Moraka Menstrual Cups is a fantastic student business enterprise, and SPINZS wishes all the girls involved, the very best success,” says Soala.

Moraka Menstrual Cups held a focus group at Papamoa College last month.

According to Shuari, many of the students were not aware of their different options for sanitary products.

'Lots of the girls didn't know what menstrual cups were.”

'We wanted to make a change in the way students at our school saw periods and educate them on the different options for your period.”

The social enterprise source the menstrual cups from a Christchurch based brand called My Cup NZ.

The cups are manufactured in New Zealand, made from medical-grade silicone.

Moraka Menstrual Cups will be selling their product within Papamoa College for $29.99. Eventually, they hope to spread out across other schools in the BOP.