Benjamin Kearns
Three young New Zealand students planning a career in tourism have each received a $2500. financial boost as the recipients of the 2017 Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust (TINZT) Academic Scholarships.
The winners 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.
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 Tourism Industry Aoteoroa Chairman, Grant Webster.
“Given the record results the industry is achieving and the strong projected growth, it is 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 their careers in tourism.”
“It was a very competitive process , however, our three winners stood out as having the academic and personal qualities the 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.
Angel Lintott
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 con-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.”
