This year's recipients — Elyse Johnson, Harrison Whittaker, Iris Reynolds, Jake Priebe, and Niko Barnett — were recognised for their exceptional academic achievements, leadership qualities, and commitment to their communities.
DWC's annual scholarships, valued at up to $32,500 per student, aim to support West Coast youth by removing barriers to tertiary education and encouraging them to return to the region after their studies. In addition to financial support, the scholarships offer summer work placements and guaranteed employment on the West Coast upon graduation.
Chief executive Heath Milne said his year’s scholarship group was, once again, exceptional. “The 38 applicants were of the highest standard and a credit to the West Coast, which made the panel’s decisions extremely difficult.
“All of the applicants can be proud, and the recipients will add to the outstanding alumni group of the Development West Coast scholarships.”
Milne highlighted the importance of retaining the region's best and brightest talent. “I very much look forward to seeing them grow and develop until they eventually come back to the Coast and contribute to our region.”
DWC's vocational coordinator, Jade Mahuika, expressed excitement about the future of the scholarship recipients. “We look forward to working alongside these outstanding individuals over the course of their studies and can’t wait to see the value and impact they’ll bring to the Coast.”
Now in its fourth year, the DWC scholarship programme continues to foster the development of West Coast talent, with 16 students having benefitted from the initiative to date.
Iris Reynolds
Iris is a high-achieving student who excels across a wide range of disciplines. She was the top physics student last year and currently serves as Head Girl at Greymouth High. Iris has been actively involved in St John, competing at both national and regional levels for many years.
She is now set to attend Otago University, where she will pursue Health Sciences with a major in Medicine.
Jake Priebe
Jake is a resourceful, hardworking, and versatile student with a passion for sports, both as a player and a coach across various disciplines. He is also a dedicated volunteer, contributing his time to the Grey District Youth Trust, Destination Hokitika, and Te Rito Violence Prevention.
Jake is now headed to the University of Canterbury, where he will pursue a Bachelor of Civil Engineering.
Harrison Whittaker
Harrison is a role model and team player with a strong work ethic. He is the Sports Leader at Greymouth High this year, and also serves as a volunteer firefighter for the Ngahere Fire Brigade.
Harrison is now preparing to attend the University of Otago, where he will pursue a Bachelor of Surveying.
Elyse Johnson
Elyse Johnson is a positive influence, serving as Deputy Head Student and a key member of the student leadership team at Buller High. She coaches basketball and swimming and has dedicated many volunteer hours to her community.
Elyse is now preparing to attend the University of Canterbury to pursue a Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in Psychology.
Niko Barnett
Niko Barnett is a hardworking and quiet achiever who served as Sports Leader at Greymouth High in 2022.
Known for his energy and outgoing personality, Niko is now preparing to attend Otago University, where he will pursue a Bachelor of Geology.