Former Whangārei Boys' High student wins $5000 property bursary

Colliers International chief operating officer in New Zealand, Bruce Gallie, presents Whangārei's Daniel Sloper with his award. Photo/Supplied

A young Northland man who has been awarded a $5000 grant says it will allow him to cut back on work hours and focus on studying.

Former Whangārei Boy's High student Daniel Sloper, who is studying for a Bachelor of Business with a major in property at Massey University, was awarded the 2019 Marcus Kitt Memorial Bursary at a special presentation at the university's Auckland campus on Monday.

Sloper, 23, said he felt overwhelmed and "extremely proud" that his "hard work" had been recognised.

"This will reduce the financial stress of being a fulltime student significantly. I will be able to reduce my hours at my current job in order to focus more time on university-related work, which will hopefully be reflected in positive grades.

"It also fills me with confidence to know that current property professionals have identified that I have the potential to succeed in the industry. This has motivated me to continue to progress and learn as much as I can while I am at university."

The $5000 bursary was established by global real estate services company Colliers International.

The firm partnered with the Massey Business School to create the bursary in memory of long-serving staff member and Massey alumnus Marcus Kitt, who died in 2015 after developing a brain tumour.

The criteria for the bursary included strong academic achievement, good communication and interpersonal skills, and the potential to succeed in a real estate career - all characteristics exemplified by Kitt.

Massey property lecturer Alan Pope said Sloper was a worthy recipient of the annual prize.

"Daniel is a hardworking student who has achieved well in class," he said.

"What particularly impressed the judges was his commitment to seeking out work experience at his own initiative while completing his studies."

Sloper said his long term plan was to become a registered property valuer, as it was the subject he has enjoyed the most while studying for his degree.