Oceania Dairy’s first scholarship recipient

 Eighteen-year-old Dion Batchelor will receive $3000 a year for up to three years, as well as the opportunity for paid work experience during study breaks. He will start his studies towards a Bachelor of Commerce undergraduate degree at Otago University later this month.

The Oceania Scholarship is available to young people within the Waimate and Waitaki Districts who have completed their secondary schooling and are moving into further education or training.

"The scholarship is an important part of our commitment to the communities in which we operate," says Aidan Johnstone, Oceania Dairy chief executive.

"We are encouraging an organisational culture of investing in people and supporting local communities.

"We can think of no better way of demonstrating that culture by supporting young people as they move from secondary school education to further education or training."

The scholarship targets education or training that can lead the recipient into a career in the dairy industry or that has the potential to enhance relations between New Zealand and China.

Dion will major in finance during his studies towards his Bachelor of Commerce.

An accomplished sportsman and recipient of numerous academic awards from Waimate High School, Dion welcomes news of his successful application for the Oceania Dairy Scholarship.

"The scholarship will relieve a huge financial burden as I fund my way through university," he says.

"It will also expose me to the operations of a successful global company as I work with Oceania throughout my studies."