2019 John Waller Memorial Scholarship winners announced

Bank of New Zealand and PwC are pleased to announce the three winners of the John Waller Memorial Scholarships for the University of Canterbury 2019 academic year. They are:

• Miriam Clark, 18, from Hawarden, North Canterbury
• Emma Stoddart, 18, from Christchurch
• Alice Kenmare, 17, from Richmond, Nelson

There were more than 270 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 in 2017 to honour the values and professional contribution of former BNZ Board Chairman and respected PwC Managing Partner John Waller, ONZM, FCA.

For five years, BNZ and PwC are funding 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.

Miriam Clark:

Miriam plans to study Commerce, particularly business management, sustainability and entrepreneurship. She was head girl of Hurunui College, in Hawarden in North Canterbury, in 2017. During a gap year in 2018, Miriam represented Canterbury as one of 18 young leaders to join a Young Blake Expedition in the Kermadec Islands conducting climate and marine research. She is an active conservationist involved in the Nina Valley Restoration Group, a community group aiming to return the valley to pre-European status, and she founded Projekt Pukeko, a restoration project in a local swamp. Being introduced at a young age, Miriam enjoys mountain running, climbing, and exploring the outdoors.

Emma Stoddart:

Emma plans to study Law and Psychology. She attended Cashmere High School where she was the Social Science Prefect, served on the school’s Humanities Council and was a senior member of the Kapa Haka group. In 2018 she actively volunteered in the school’s conductive education unit for students with physical and multiple disabilities and was also a member of her house leadership team. Emma is currently a member of the Christchurch City Youth Council.

Alice Kenmare:

Alice plans to study Law. In 2018 she was involved with the Tasman Youth Council and played rugby and rugby sevens for her school, Waimea College. Alice was a house captain which involved planning and running school-wide events. She also played netball, volleyball and touch rugby. Alice volunteers at Nelson Tasman Hospice and the Richmond Hospice Shop.