1 August 2013 Lincoln University alumna heading to University of Oxford

Environmental scientist and Lincoln University alumna Hannah Leckie, has won a Rose Hellaby Postgraduate Māori Scholarship, that will assist her in pursuing a Master’s degree at the prestigious University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

Since graduating from Lincoln University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science with Honours, majoring in Soil Science, Hannah Leckie has been making notable inroads in the area of environmental science. However, even greater achievements are possibly on the horizon as Ms Leckie goes on to the University of Oxford to complete a Master of Science in Water Science, Policy and Management degree.

Going no small way to enabling her to attend the University of Oxford is a $30,000 education grant she has received from the Rose Hellaby Māori Education Fund: a fund established by the late Rose Hellaby to support Māori education.

“I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to have received one of the 2013 Rose Hellaby Postgraduate Scholarships,” says Ms Leckie.  “The scholarship is a significant financial contribution to my University and College fees at Oxford.” 

The Master of Science in Water Science, Policy and Management will build on the analytical and research skills Ms Leckie developed while completing her Lincoln University Honours degree, as well as the professional and business skills she has gained working for a wide variety of clients in New Zealand, Australia and the Middle East as an environmental science consultant.

“New Zealand needs robust science, collaborative policy development and emerging leaders to tackle the challenges we are facing over freshwater scarcity, allocation, water quality and the impending changes to our climate,” says Ms Leckie.

“Heading to the University of Oxford to complete my Master’s will give me the opportunity to learn from the best and bring home to New Zealand new ideas about water development, allocation and management.”

Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Communities, Professor Hirini Matunga, was able to attend the scholarship presentation.  “I am extremely proud of Hannah’s achievements and it was an honour to attend the presentation.  Hannah is showing great leadership, through her commitment to improved environmental quality, and better use of our water resources.  She is a wonderful role model for younger Māori people who might be considering studies in the sciences,” says Professor Matunga. 

“The award was presented by the Hon Dr Pita Sharples, Minister of Māori Affairs and Associate Minister of Education and it was great to see a Lincoln University Māori graduate receive one of the two prestigious postgraduate awards.” 

On her return to New Zealand, Ms Leckie wishes to demonstrate the multiple benefits for economic growth and environmental sustainability to be obtained in a manner consistent with kaitiakitanga.

“I aspire to build a better and sustainable future for Māori and for all New Zealanders,” says Ms Leckie.