We would like to congratulate this year’s successful scholarship recipients:
Community Scholarship - Nathaniel Sutherland
Local Bluff resident Nathaniel Sutherland is set to begin his studies at Canterbury University in 2025, aiming for a Bachelor of Engineering with Honors. He plans to specialise in Mechanical Engineering after his first year.
Nathaniel's ultimate goal is to become a Mechanical Engineer, with a particular interest in the design and theoretical aspects of mechanics. His fascination with mechanical structures and performance machines began with fixing and modifying motorbikes and now extends to his treasured 1984 Nissan Patrol. He remains intrigued by various mechanical systems and enjoys working on projects to learn from them.
His hobbies include fly fishing, which he taught himself, mountaineering, and drumming. His involvement with the Bluff Sea Scouts ignited his passion for the outdoors which now sees him and his brother traversing various mountain ranges around the South Island.
In addition to excelling in his academic studies and physical pursuits, Nathaniel was the drummer of the Southland Youth Jazz Band which competed at numerous national and regional events across New Zealand. Nathaniel has a deep passion for music and will continue to pursue future musical endeavours.
We wish Nathaniel well on his journey north to begin his next adventure.
Staff Scholarship - Alexander Egginton
Alexander Egginton is the son of Mark Egginton, the Port Facility Security Co-ordinator at South Port. He is heading into his 3rd year as a perioperative student and is passionate about becoming a skilled and compassionate perioperative practitioner, aiming to contribute to high-quality surgical care in Southland.
For the past two years, Alexander has been balancing full-time studies via correspondence, clinical placements and part-time work. He believes this has taught him resilience, discipline and the ability to manage his time more effectively. As placement hours increase with each year of study, he has found it necessary to adapt and focus on managing time effectively to ensure he succeeds academically and develops professionally. Through clinical placements, Alexander has gained hands-on experience and is committed to developing the necessary technical expertise, communication skills, and empathy required for the profession.
Alexander enjoys maintaining a balanced lifestyle by working out at the local YMCA, spending time outdoors with his dog, and engaging in hobbies like playing video games and watching movies. These activities help him stay physically and mentally fit, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
We have no doubt Alexander will achieve his goal and wish him all the best for his final year of study.
Staff Scholarship - Thaeya Hoyle
Thaeya, daughter of Brett Hoyle, who is a member of our Weekend Relief Tug Crew, has excelled academically and in the sporting and community domains during her time at Southland Girls High School. She is thrilled to be starting her Bachelor of Engineering at Auckland University this year, which is the first step to achieving her goal of becoming a skilled and innovative engineer.
From a young age, Thaeya had an obsessive curiosity about how things work. She loves the idea of looking at the tiniest details to see what can be altered to achieve optimal performance. In recent years, she has developed an obsession with cars, so it’s not surprising her long-term goal is to work in motorsport or automotive industries.
Her many interests are something she is very passionate about and help her step outside her comfort zone. She has been rowing competitively for five years and has represented her school, Waihopai Rowing Club, and her province. Her Senior Rowing Coach points out that rowing takes a lot of commitment, time management, and an ability to communicate with your coach and other athletes. He credits Thaeya with developing all of these skills, becoming a role model for younger members, and a senior leader at the club.
Growing up in Bluff, Thaeya has been inspired by the strength of the community and knows the importance of contributing to it. She has completed her recruits’ course for the Bluff Volunteer Fire Brigade and will participate in the Sky City Stair Climb Challenge in May 2025, racing up 1,103 stairs wearing 25 kilograms of gear.
Haere pai (go well) Thaeya!
