Three young people from Golden Bay, Collingwood and Motueka have been recognised by Network Tasman Trust to support their 2026 tertiary studies – including one of the trust’s Sir Wallace Rowling scholarships.
Golden Bay High School’s Lani Murray has earned one of this year’s $4000 Sir Wallace Rowling scholarships.
A trust spokesperson says Lani is an exceptional student and athlete whose achievements stretch from the classroom to the international sporting arena.
During her five years representing New Zealand in orienteering, she has competed across Australia and Europe, including at the Oceania Orienteering Championships and European Youth Orienteering Championships, all while being a top academic achiever.
She was Golden Bay High School sportswoman of the year four years running and also plays basketball and football.
Lani is an active volunteer, juggling school and sports with being a member of the student executive, a Big Brother Big Sister volunteer and a supporter of the Nelson Orienteering Club.
She plans to study a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and chemistry at the University of Canterbury, with the long-term goal of becoming a secondary school maths and chemistry teacher.
Collingwood Area School’s Cooper Ricketts has also been awarded a $500 grant.
Cooper is a respected student leader on the board of trustees and is heavily involved in environmental volunteering, regularly helping with pest control and restoration at Farewell Spit. He plans to study physics at Victoria University, with ambitions to become a meteorologist – inspired by growing up in a rural community affected by extreme weather.
Motueka High School’s Lochie Easton received a $500 grant. Lochie was one of the head students in 2025 and has excelled academically, led ANZAC services, raised money for charity and played a key role in school leadership.
He plans to study political science, international relations and economics at the University of Canterbury.
Network Tasman trustee Ian Kearney said all three students represent “the very best of our region”.
“These are outstanding young people – hardworking, grounded and committed to contributing to their communities. Lani, Cooper and Lochie each bring something special, and the trust is extremely proud to support their next steps.”
