Nick Broom (right) of Napier with some of the text books he used during his study, with Freemasons Deputy Grand Master Graham Wrigley. Photo / Supplied
Nick Broom (right) of Napier with some of the text books he used during his study, with Freemasons Deputy Grand Master Graham Wrigley. Photo / Supplied
A Napier student aiming to show that businesses do not have to choose between making profit and providing a positive force for good has been given a helping hand, after receiving one of the country's most prestigious scholarships.
At Parliament yesterday, Nicholas Broome was awarded a $6000 Freemasons University Scholarship,which would help fund his Master of Management Studies at the University of Waikato, majoring in Finance.
Judges found that underpinning Nick's studies was a strong belief that efficient business can, and should be, used as a powerful force for good in society.
One focus of his studies was how to make mergers and acquisitions deals fair and inclusive of social outcomes while creating greater efficiencies for a business, and ensuring it stays competitive and makes a profit.
He also acts as a mentor and student ambassador for students within the economic and finance departments, helping them understand difficult topics and concepts.
Yesterday, eight postgraduate students received a total of $80,000 and 19 university students a total of $114,000 at a ceremony at Parliament's Legislative Council Chamber.
Freemasons Grand Master Mark Winger noted the Freemasons scholarship programme was the largest privately-funded such programme in the country.
"It is an example of the positive impact Freemasonry can make in the community and on the world stage, as we see from the career updates scholars send from time-to-time.
"Whether our scholars stay in New Zealand or continue their studies and careers overseas, they are all contributing to the health, welfare, knowledge and improvement of life for future generations."
Over the past 40 years Freemasons from throughout New Zealand have awarded nearly $5.2 million in scholarships to 1162 of the country's most talented university students.
