Upskill boosts
A new scholarship is offering three outstanding Canterbury business people the opportunity to upskill and learn from influential mentors.
The Ben Gough Family Foundation Leaders Scholarship programme was launched in 2021 in partnership with the University of Canterbury Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme. The annual scholarships have this year been awarded to Sam Butcher, Gareth Bruce and Julie Hands, all high achievers in their fields.
They will receive a programme of learning and support, including a substantial contribution towards their University of Canterbury MBA course fees, bespoke leadership coaching from Leadership Lab, an Outward Bound leadership experience, and mentoring with a highly-experienced business and community leader.
Ben Gough Family Foundation trustees and local business leaders Ben and Penny Gough have curated the scholarship programme, alongside the University, to accelerate the scholars’ professional and personal development.
Through their relationships and networks, they connect the scholars to a mentor who can provide exclusive insights and guidance during their MBA studies.
Ben Gough says the pandemic-related upheaval of the last few years has demonstrated the need to be responsive, agile and dynamic in business.
“We are excited to be a part of the scholars’ journey and to see them develop these capabilities as they rise through the scholarship programme and the academic challenges of their MBA studies at the University of Canterbury,” he says.
Sam Butcher is a Business Analysis Consultant for Redvespa. Sam has co-founded multiple organisations and businesses in Canterbury including an online store, the Christchurch Brick Show and Imagination Station. Sam, who was Head Boy at Middleton Grange School in 2012, received an Emerging Leaders Scholarship and completed a degree in Business Economics and Information Systems at the University of Canterbury. His mentor for the scholarship will be Guy Horrocks.
Gareth Bruce is a University of Canterbury Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) graduate who is now General Manager of Utilities Infrastructure NZ, a civil construction business specialising in trenchless technology. He leads a team of 60 working across New Zealand, with a strong focus on leadership training, development and creating opportunities for all staff. He has been chairman of Civil Contractors Canterbury and serves on the board of St Thomas of Canterbury College. Gareth will be mentored by Rob Fyfe.
Julie Hands is a senior in-house lawyer and governance professional, working as Senior Counsel for St John New Zealand, and on the board of Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand subsidiary Brackenridge.
Julie has previously sat on the board of other charities, and has a strong motivation to give back to the community. While now working in the health and disability sectors, Julie has a passion for the South Island business and the agricultural sector generally. Julie’s mentor is social entrepreneur Sam Johnson.
