Empowering Development and Education: WIDE Trust Undergraduate Scholarship Recipients 2024

We are delighted to announce the recipients of the WIDE Trust Undergraduate Scholarships for 2024 who were selected by the School of Forestry at the University of Canterbury. Each of these five students were awarded a $10,000 grant to further their education and contributions to their communities. The WIDE Trust is proud to support these exceptional students in their academic and leadership endeavours.

Ashan Barr

Ashan Barr has shown remarkable dedication both in and out of the academic arena. Throughout his education at Hamilton Boys High School and into his first year at the University of Canterbury, Ashan has balanced a strong commitment to sports—including rugby and lacrosse at both school and national levels—with significant community service. 

Despite facing challenges such as a leg injury and a broken jaw, he demonstrated resilience by actively participating in sports development, particularly in lacrosse, and by playing rugby for the University of Canterbury Rugby Football Club Colts B team. 

Off the field, Ashan's involvement extended to supporting his grandparent's Sikh temple, engaging in service projects at school, and leading initiatives that raised tens of thousands of dollars for various causes. His leadership roles included serving as a service prefect, managing the Multicultural Manaaki Centre at his school, and mentoring and tutoring peers and younger students. 

For his extensive service, especially to the refugee community, Ashan has been recognized with awards, including the Naaz Shah Memorial Trophy. His diverse achievements reflect a profound commitment to personal growth, leadership, and community service.

Manon Bonar

Manon Bonar exemplifies a profound commitment to community, sports, and leadership. Over the past three years, Manon has actively participated in a variety of community activities, notably including Run 72 to support men's mental health and contributing as a peer notetaker to aid students with different learning needs. Her involvement in university clubs, where she secured an executive position, underscores her ability to engage with and contribute to her community. 

Manon's dedication to sports is equally impressive; despite setbacks like a fractured ankle, she has excelled in volleyball, earning a spot on the team representing New Zealand at the Asian Championships and securing national titles in both beach and indoor volleyball.

Manon's leadership extends beyond her athletic achievements. She has significantly contributed to volleyball at Carmel College, coaching the junior team and earning recognition for her substantial contribution to the sport at her school. Her role in the Sports Council further demonstrated her ability to plan and execute sporting events, a skill complemented by her decision-making and team communication. 

Volunteering in various capacities has allowed Manon to showcase her adaptability and approachability, vital traits that facilitate building relationships and sharing ideas across different environments. Manon Bonar's array of activities and roles highlight her multifaceted talents and her dedication to making a positive impact in her community and beyond.

Rakairoa Joyce

Rakairoa Joyce demonstrates a remarkable blend of leadership, community service, and athletic prowess. In high school, she was not only a key player in multiple sports teams but also excelled as Head Girl and contributed significantly to several committees, including the Taiohi Tu committee, which promotes Te Reo and organises cultural events. 

Her engagement extended into her university life, where she took on the role of Wilson House Sports Captain, fostering camaraderie and team spirit among her peers. Additionally, Rakairoa's commitment to volunteering is noteworthy, particularly through her involvement with the UC Student Volunteer Army and her efforts to support animal welfare with the SPCA.

In 2024, Rakairoa is set to further her impact as the Māori and Pasifika Lead on the UC Student Volunteer Army Executive and as part of the UC Squash Club Executive team. Her leadership journey, marked by significant achievements such as orchestrating a fundraiser that raised $22,000 for the ‘Red Cross Humanitarian Crisis Appeal’, showcases her ability to lead, inspire, and effect change. 

Rakairoa's comprehensive development through sports, leadership roles, and community service reflects her multifaceted contributions and her potential for making a lasting positive impact on her community.

Hollie McKay

Hollie McKay's diverse involvement in sports and community service shines through her commitment to being a Peer Mentor, coaching hockey, and captaining her school's first XI hockey team. These roles underscore her leadership and ability to inspire and support others, both on and off the field. Her selection for the U21 NZ Māori hockey squad and her participation in the Tasman U18 women's team highlight her exceptional skill and dedication to her sport, as well as her pride in her cultural heritage.

Her work extends beyond sports; volunteering with Nelmac taught her the value of behind-the-scenes efforts in maintaining community spaces. Hollie's interest in fostering an inclusive community is evident in her engagement with Māori culture and the LGBTQIA+ community, aiming to bridge gaps and promote understanding and inclusiveness.

Leadership is a strong suit for Hollie, evidenced by her roles in mentoring, coaching, and captaining, which have honed her skills in planning, team management, and empathetic leadership. An Outward Bound scholarship winner, she has demonstrated resilience, self-awareness, and an ability to manage group dynamics effectively.

Hollie's activities reflect a well-rounded individual who excels in sports, values community service, and is committed to leadership and personal growth. Her dedication to improving her community and fostering an environment of inclusivity and support showcases her as a remarkable young leader.

Millan Jeffcote

Millan Jeffcote 's 2023 was marked by deep engagement with both his school's cultural and sports communities, notably through his participation in the Cambridge High School Kapa Haka competition and his leadership within the school's First XI football team. His dedication to understanding and promoting Te Ao Māori reflects a broader commitment to cultural appreciation and community connection.

Beyond the classroom, his commitment to community service is exemplified through his mentorship in the Hāpai Rangatahi programme, supporting disengaged youths, and his regular academic support sessions at Cambridge Middle School. These roles highlight his ability to inspire and guide, underpinned by a significant dedication to volunteering, with over 250 hours contributing to his silver SVA award.

His sporting achievements are no less impressive. From making history with the CHS First XI by winning the WSSFA College Day Cup to overcoming injury and transitioning into crucial leadership and coaching roles, Jeffcote's journey reflects resilience, strategic thinking, and a profound commitment to his team and the sport. As captain, he not only led his team to successive victories but also fostered a positive team culture and served as a role model for younger players, embodying the school's values of integrity and growth.

Millan's roles on and off the field, from captaincy and coaching to committee involvement and mentoring, demonstrate a multifaceted leadership style characterised by empathy, strategic planning, and a hands-on approach to tackling challenges. His contributions to football at CHS and beyond, coupled with his commitment to nurturing the next generation of players and students, spotlight him as a distinguished young leader poised to make lasting impacts in his community.