Inaugural John Waller Memorial Scholarship winners announced

BNZ and PwC New Zealand are pleased to announce the inaugural three winners of the John Waller Memorial Scholarships at the University of Canterbury. They are:

• Matthew Gatenby, 17, from Rotorua
• Lillian Fata, 17, from Parklands, Christchurch
• Luke Alderton, 18, from Strowan, Christchurch

There were more than 130 applications for the scholarships and these successful young people stood out from their peers for their combination of outstanding academic results, leadership potential, and involvement in the life of their school and community.

The scholarship programme was established this year to honour the values and professional contribution of former BNZ Board Chairman and respected PwC Managing Partner John Waller, ONZM, FCA.

For five years from 2018, BNZ and PwC will fund three competitive scholarships per year to school leavers choosing to study Commerce, Science or Law at the University of Canterbury.

The John Waller Memorial Scholarships provide $18,000 to each student, as well as summer internships at BNZ and PwC, and mentoring from BNZ and PwC staff.

In line with John Waller’s values, the programme provides the opportunity for students to study at UC when personal or financial circumstances restrict their ability to enter tertiary education.

Matt Gatenby

Matt plans to study Operations and Supply Chain Management. He was Deputy Head Boy of Rotorua Lakes High School in 2017, captain of the hockey First XI, a hockey coach and swim coach. Matt is as a volunteer rural fire fighter at the Lake Tarawera Fire Unit, helps controls possum numbers in his community and assists collecting data for Fish and Game.

Lillian Fata

Lillian plans to study Law. In 2017 she was a Prefect at St Margaret’s College and was head of choral music and chamber choir. She participated in a wide variety of arts for her school including drama, choirs, orchestra, speeches and debating. Lillian competed at both the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare National Festival and Big Sing national finals this year. In 2018 she will be part of The Court Theatre Youth Company.

Luke Alderton

Luke plans to study Law. As a result of a spinal injury at five months old, he has high-level quadriplegia. Luke is a committee member of New Zealand Powerchair Football and captain of the New Zealand national team. He is the deputy chairperson of the Canterbury District Health Board Youth Advisory Council. In 2017 Luke was Deputy Head Boy of Condell’s House at Christ’s College.