New Zealand tourism students given $4000 boost

Two University of Otago students have each received a $4000 boost to help them complete their final year of study and prepare for a career in the tourism industry.

Announced at last week’s Tourism Summit Aotearoa in Wellington, the recipients of the 2019 Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust (TINZT) Academic Scholarship are Fergus Dale and Moriah Osborne, who both study at the University of Otago.

The scholarships are open to young New Zealanders who are about to commence their final year of tertiary study in a tourism-related course in 2019.

Valued at $4000, each scholarship comprises a $2500 payment towards the recipient’s final year of study in a tourism-related tertiary course, attendance at today’s Tourism Summit Aotearoa, a day of placement and networking with Wellington-based tourism operators and organisations, a TIA mentor and continued support from TIA post-study to encourage industry engagement.

The pair were present at the Summit to receive their scholarships from TINZT Trustee and TIA Chair Richard Lauder.

Commenting on the awards, Lauder stated “to support our $36 billion industry and help ensure sustainable growth, it’s vital that we attract and retain smart young Kiwis like Fergus and Moriah so that we can offer world-class experiences to our visitors.

“These academic scholarships are an important way to reinforce to some incredible young talent that tourism offers fantastic job opportunities, and to help kick start their career.”

Lauder advised that the 2018 scholarships attracted 25 applications from students around the country. Shortlisted candidates were interviewed by a Scholarship Panel before the two winners were selected, adding “it was very competitive, but our two winners stood out as having the academic and personal qualities our industry is seeking.

“They both demonstrated an excellent understanding of the industry and will be outstanding Ambassadors for the TINZT Scholarship programme. We look forward to welcoming them to the industry when they graduate next year.”

About the winners

Fergus Dale
Studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce in Tourism and Management, Dale says while his career expectations are continuously changing and expanding, his particular interest lies with tourism consultancy, and helping small and medium sized enterprises, corporates and Regional Tourism Organisations overcome challenges and reach their goals. He’s also keen to work in the aviation sector to help achieve sustainable air connectivity in New Zealand. Fergus says he will represent the industry to show young New Zealanders the opportunities and benefits of a career in tourism.

Moriah Osborne
After completing her Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing Management next year, Osborne wants to pursue a career in tourism, working in marketing and sales with a New Zealand organisation. She says the overwhelmingly positive focus of people working in tourism and the opportunity to create meaningful relationships has fuelled her desire for a career in the industry. She wants a role where she is challenged and stimulated and that offers new experiences and opportunities to develop skills that better equip her for the future.

The Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust was established in 2007 to back the education of people involved in the New Zealand tourism industry and the education of New Zealanders about tourism and to foster and promote the 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.

The Trust is managed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA).