Z Energy helps dreams of study come true

22 September 2016

Z Energy helps dreams of study come true

Z Energy has made the dream of studying a reality for seven inspiring New Zealanders who have been awarded the company’s annual scholarships.

Z is committed to making a difference in New Zealand communities, so this year it’s extended its scholarship programme, awarding four kinds of scholarships to retail staff and their families.

The successful scholarship recipients have just been revealed and are now on their way to gaining a qualification, with a helping hand from Z, which is covering course fees and providing ongoing learning support including mentoring.

Z Community Champion, Haley Small, said the scholarships are supporting the aspirations of some of Z’s most capable retail site staff.

“We know that there are many skilled people in New Zealand communities who, for whatever reason, haven’t been able to achieve their dream of studying.

“Congratulations to each of the very deserving recipients, who shone for their passion and aspiration. We look forward to seeing them achieve their full potential,” Haley said.

Haley said even the opportunity to apply for the scholarships has inspired other site staff and their families to think about how they can achieve their dreams too.

“One applicant told me the opportunity has motivated her to re-consider her career pathway and what she wants from life, regardless of being successful or not, and that’s exactly the kind of aspirational thinking Z wants to inspire,” Haley said.

Haley said the scholars come from all walks of life, reflecting the diversity among Z retail staff working in our communities.

“The recipients range from a Timaru-based former military man, who reminds us you can change career at any age, to a Year-13 Levin student, who will be first in her family to go to university, just to name a couple of the inspiring stories,” Haley said.

The scholarship options were chosen to reflect Z’s commitment to aspirations, health and safety excellence and great service. They’re just one way that Z is for New Zealand.

ENDS

The Scholarships Awarded are:

• Bachelor of Applied Management Scholarship x 4

More information here: http://www.capablenz.co.nz/programmes/programme-areas/bachelor-of-applied-management/

• Health and Safety Pathway Scholarship x1

• Massey Retail Degree Scholarship x1

More information here: www.massey.ac.nz/retail

• First Foundation Scholarship x1

More information here: www.firstfoundation.org.nz

Profiles of each of the winners are below.

Bachelor of Applied Management scholarship — awarded to four site staff

Serena Johnston, Site Leader, Z Palm Beach Papamoa

Serena has worked for Z for more than 13 years and loves her job, but hopes gaining a qualification will be a turning point that takes her leadership skills and career to the next level.

She has already shown her leadership abilities, as a trainer in the “It’s Not OK” anti-domestic violence campaign and by leading other site staff at Z. Serena says doing a leadership course with Z last year motivated her to apply for the scholarship.

“Since I did my leadership course I have learned to reach outside my limits, the impossible out there and celebrate success,” Serena said.

Serena loves doing anything outdoors and when not at work can be found camping, fishing or hanging out at the beach with her two young sons.

Thomas Ware, Site Leader, Z Washdyke, Timaru

Timaru appears to be the home to outstanding leaders, boasting a Z scholarship recipient two years in a row. Thomas Ware is this year’s Timaru-based winner.

Thomas says he applied for the scholarship to inspire his children, who he wants to follow in his footsteps and go to university. “I want my children to aim for their dreams,” he said.

Thomas has worked at Z for almost six years following a military career. He aims to make Z Washdyke the best Z site for customer service in New Zealand.

Amber Ledingham, Site Leader, Z Hornby, Canterbury

Amber has a dream of one day owning her own interior design business, and in the meantime is carving out a career at Z.

Stepping up to take on new challenges is nothing new to Amber, who recently became a training facilitator at Z while also busy completing her Diploma in Design.

“I like to have new learning opportunities and it’s important to me to learn and expand my knowledge,” Amber said.

Amber also has aspirations of getting financially stable so she can travel the world and eventually buy or build her own home.

Abbin Peter, Site Leader, Carlton Corner Christchurch

Abbin Peter moved to New Zealand five years ago and now has aspirations of becoming an Operations Manager at Z.

During four years at Z Shirley and Z Carlton Corner, Abbin Peter has shown leadership promise by lifting the performance of the team.

His experience moving to a new country makes him well placed to help other immigrants settle in to life here.

“I found it really hard in the initial days to adjust to the new conditions of being independent, but I never gave up and worked hard against all odds.

“The result is I am now a site leader at Z with team mates from different cultures and I am constantly helping them with understanding their goals and aspirations,” Abbin Peter said.

He hopes the scholarship will help on his career path and towards achieving his goal of owning a home in New Zealand.

First Foundation Scholarship — awarded to Emma Beale, Z Levin and Horowhenua College, Levin

Emma Beale will be the first person in her family to attend university.

Emma is currently finishing high school in Levin but has aspirations that would see her travel the World.

As a Year 12 and 13 student Emma has been actively involved in the local community, being a buddy for new Japanese students, talking part in the Heart Foundation collection appeal and being a member of rock climbing and hockey teams.

She’s done all this while holding down a part-time job at Z Levin working Saturdays and Sundays, and gaining excellence endorsement in her studies.

The scholarship will provide Emma with a mentor to help her each step of the way and enable her to focus on her studies by removing some of the financial worry.

Bachelor of Massey Retail Degree Scholarship — awarded to Marina Nun Yan Tuileva, Z Point Chevalier, Auckland

Receiving a Z scholarship will enable Samoan-born mother of two, Marina Tuileva, to achieve her dream of gaining a tertiary qualification.

Marina has wanted to study management for some time but says until now, while raising a young family, it has not been possible because of the financial burden it would have put on her.

But receiving the first Massey Retail and Business Degree Scholarship from Z is paving the way for Marina to achieve her goals.

“My dream finally came true and I won’t give up on it,” she said.

Marina says her goal is to be a retail manager and a good leader. She also wants to provide a better future for her children and be a role model to them.

Outside of work Marina devotes her time to looking after her family, helping her children with homework, starring on the netball court and church activities.

Health and Safety Pathway Scholarship — awarded to Matau Stewart, Jefkar cluster, Christchurch

Matau Stewart says he aspires to a career in health and safety because it makes sure staff go home safely every day.

During his 16 years working at Z, Matau says he has seen first-hand just how important health and safety is.

“I am still buzzing that I have been granted the opportunity to have such a scholarship.

“I live and breathe Health and Safety and it’s through that I want to gain more knowledge and ultimately have some form of qualification to back my passion,” Matau said.

Matau hopes the qualification will help him get his foot through the door in a leadership role in the health and safety field and eventually be a business owner.

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