22 May 2025 Top prize caps off Mac's time at Lincoln

Mac was one of over 1600 students to graduate at Lincoln University’s graduation ceremony this month.

The Christchurch local, who completed a Bachelor of Land and Property Management, was awarded the Property Institute of New Zealand Prize at our Friday morning ceremony. The award, recognising the programme’s top student, came as a complete surprise to Mac.

“If I were to tell my high school self I would be awarded an academic prize at university, I would have laughed!

“It was a bit of a shock, but I felt proud, as I made a conscious effort to give university my best shot.”

Adding to the occasion, the prize was presented by two familiar faces, one of his final year lecturers, and one of his coworkers at his new job. Mac is now putting his Lincoln degree to work as a Graduate Property Valuer at CBRE in Christchurch.

It was a special moment witnessed by his grandparents, uncle, partner and friends at the ceremony.

“It was a weird feeling to shut the book on Lincoln after four years of good times. But catching up and celebrating with friends who also worked so hard to get to graduation day was great.”

Mac said he had little idea what he wanted to do when he finished school, but a day spent shadowing a property valuer during Year 13 changed that.

“From there I was set on Lincoln.

“The size of Lincoln also appealed to me because you’re not just another student, your lecturers end up knowing you by name and you know most people in your classes.”

He joined the Lincoln Ski Department (LSD) club and threw himself into university life, building his uni community. 

“There was lots I enjoyed while studying, but the people were really what made my experience so great. I’ll miss seeing a lot of my good mates daily, now that we’ve all taken roles across the country and the world.”

Like many students, Mac pushed through some late nights to stay on track. But it all paid off, landing his goal role as a Graduate Property Valuer with CBRE in Christchurch.

“This role is directly related to my degree, and I wouldn’t have been able to be where I am without it. This was the role I had my sights set on since enrolling.

“Work has been a big change, but a good one. I’ve enjoyed that each day is different, with new things to learn and see. Getting out of the office daily has been the highlight so far, valuing different types of properties and meeting new people.” 

Mac’s sights are now set on becoming a Registered Property Valuer – a hopeful three-year process – and is looking forward to travelling once that goal is ticked off.

You can watch highlights from our graduation and see more stories like Mac’s on our graduation page here.