Banking with Westpac
Brian Henderson is Area Manager, Business Banking Northern Westpac. brian_henderson@westpac.co.nz
Westpac helps grow aspirations of North Shore students Fulfilling a dream to graduate in and one day teach the traditional Indian dance form, Bharatanatyam. Helping a keen triathlete achieve at a national level. Encouraging the zero tolerance drink driving message to keep students safe on the road. And helping an aspiring journalist see her work published.
Although diverse, there’s one underpinning factor helping make these dreams and ambitions a reality – a $2,000 Westpac Scholarship. Four talented Kristin School students are on the way to realising their dreams as recipients of the scholarships, designed to help them continue to excel in their chosen areas. Kristin School students Verity Johnson, Priyal Bhoola, Sarah Ellis-Jack and Emily Pearce received the inaugural scholarships last year, as part of a partnership between Kristin School and Westpac. Four scholarships will now be awarded annually to Year 12 students. Westpac Business Banking Northern Area Manager Brian Henderson said the bank’s long history of working with and supporting local communities is constantly evolving. “Today’s students are the foundation of tomorrow’s community, and we’re committed to recognising and assisting dreams and skills that will positively impact future communities. Westpac’s been in New Zealand for more than 150 years and we’re built on helping people and businesses achieve their goals – now we’re pleased to be helping students do that as well.” Passionate writer, Verity Johnson is keen to establish herself as a respected journalist and has already had work published. “The Westpac scholarship helped me buy a laptop, making it easier to write and research. It’s also given me the reassurance to pursue writing.” Priyal Bhoola is a talented performer in the traditional and complex Indian dance form, Bharatanatyam, attending classes at the Narthana Aalayam School of Indian Dance in Auckland. “The Westpac Cultural Scholarship is helping towards my study – I’m looking forward to graduating and teaching this art form.”
Sarah Ellis-Jack has demonstrated a commitment to service – a passionate member of the school’s SADD Committee; she’s been instrumental in educating her peers about the dangers of drinking and driving. “The Westpac Service Scholarship helped the SADD Committee to promote our zero tolerance message to students. With ‘fatal vision’ goggles purchased using the scholarship, we’ve been able to run two successful ‘fatal vision’ obstacle courses which have been hugely popular and are a great tool for demonstrating the dangers surrounding alcohol.” Emily Pearce has achieved impressive results in cross country, triathlon, cycling and surf lifesaving. Her success in last year’s Auckland triathalon event has seen her qualify for the ITU World Championships age group race to be held in Auckland this October. Emily intends to use the scholarship to help reach her full potential in this upcoming event. “I’ve used the scholarship towards purchasing a new full carbon Trek road bike, replacing my previous eight year old bike.” Shortly Year 12 students will be invited to submit applications for the four awards and must demonstrate achievements to date, goals and how they’d use the support to propel them on their chosen path. “At Westpac we’re all about helping people, and we’re thrilled to now be helping four talented Kristin School students each year, as they strive to achieve their dreams,” adds Brian. All opinions, statements and analysis expressed are based on information current at the time of writing from sources which Westpac believes to be authentic and reliable. Westpac New Zealand Limited. *All opinions, statements and analysis expressed are based on information current at the time of writing from sources which Westpac believes to be authentic and reliable. Westpac New Zealand Limited.
Issue 8 - September 2012
The Business Channel
19