South Island sweeps tourism academic scholarships

South Island sweeps tourism academic scholarships

Three young Kiwi students planning a career in tourism each got a $2500 financial boost today as the recipients of the 2017 Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust (TINZT) Academic Scholarships.

The scholarship winners were announced at today’s Tourism Summit Aotearoa in Wellington. They are Benjamin Kearns, Nelson College, Nelson; Laura-Madeleine Kuepper, Roncalli College, Timaru; and Angel Lintott, Linwood College, Christchurch.

The scholarships are open to young New Zealanders who have completed NCEA Level 2 and are due to start tourism related tertiary study. The money will go towards their first year tuition fees.

Benjamin and Laura-Madeleine were present at the Summit to receive their scholarships from Grant Webster, Chair of Tourism Industry Aotearoa which manages TINZT.

Ensuring tourism businesses attract and retain staff with the right skills and attitude is a top priority for New Zealand’s $34.7 billion tourism industry, says Mr Webster.

“Given the record results the industry is achieving and the strong projected growth, it’s vital we are attracting enough people with the right skills to work in tourism.

“These academic scholarships are an important way we can encourage savvy young Kiwis to pursue a career in tourism.”

Mr Webster says the 2017 scholarships attracted almost 20 applications from students around the country. Shortlisted candidates were interviewed by a Scholarship Panel and three winners selected.

“It was very competitive, but our three winners stood out as having the academic and personal qualities our industry is seeking. They are all extremely able and ambitious individuals who will be a great asset to the tourism workforce when they graduate from their chosen tertiary study programme.”

About the winners

Benjamin Kearns

Benjamin is a Year 13 student at Nelson College in Nelson. He is inspired by the diversity of the tourism industry and its “feel good” energy. Benjamin will study a Bachelor of Tourism Management at Victoria University of Wellington. His career goal is a senior management role in New Zealand’s tourism industry.

Laura-Madeleine Kuepper

Laura is a Year 13 student at Roncalli College in Timaru. She wants to be “part of an industry which makes New Zealand one of the most beloved travel destinations and brings different people together”. Laura is planning to complete a co-joint degree in tourism and languages at Victoria University of Wellington, and then pursue a career in hotel and event management.

Angel Lintott

Angel is a Year 13 student at Linwood College in Christchurch. Top of her college tourism class, Angel will be attending Queenstown Resort College next year to study hospitality management. Angel says she has a passion for the tourism industry: “It is constantly growing and I want to be part of it.”

About TINZT

The Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust was established in 2007 for charitable purposes. Its focus is twofold:

• The education of people involved in the New Zealand tourism industry and the education of New Zealanders about tourism;

• The fostering and promotion of a tourism industry in New Zealand, based on the sustainable use and preservation of the country’s natural assets.

The TINZT grants programme is open to associations, companies and individuals for projects or ideas that will further the Trust’s aims and criteria. Applications can be made at any time. Visit the TINZT website for details www.tinzt.org.nz. The Trust is managed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA).

© Scoop Media