Old World culture helped shape EIT degree student Ruben Parker when he was growing up in Spain, where his parents worked as missionaries.

Living in Galicia in Spain’s northwest, the local way of life made a big impression on Ruben. However, it wasn’t until 18 or so months ago, when he and his parents visited wineries in Hawke’s Bay and on Waiheke Island, that he started to appreciate the complexities involved in growing and crafting wine.

Now studying for a Bachelor of Wine Science, he’s learning how to make wine himself. Last year he and some classmates produced a Chardonnay, he says, and this year they’re making a Merlot.

A talented footballer, Ruben was recently awarded an EIT Sports Scholarship worth $2000 a year. When he finishes his degree, he hopes to use his European passport to travel and work in Spain – “or anywhere else on the Continent” – and to trial for football teams.

A keeper, he played in the New Zealand Under 20s squad and, having recently finished the season with Canterbury United, is back in Hawke’s Bay to play for Napier City Rovers.

Ruben recently started a goalkeeping academy – the only one in Hawke’s Bay – and is already finding it is attracting a lot of interest.

Although he doesn’t let it affect the way he plays, he has learnt from experience that committed sports players are “only an injury away from having nothing to do.” When he dislocated a shoulder, he was out of the game for five months.

“I appreciate that I won’t be playing football for the rest of my life which is why I see a tertiary qualification as important,” the 20-year-old says.

Old World culture helped shape EIT degree student Ruben Parker when he was growing up in Spain, where his parents worked as missionaries.

Living in Galicia in Spain’s northwest, the local way of life made a big impression on Ruben. However, it wasn’t until 18 or so months ago, when he and his parents visited wineries in Hawke’s Bay and on Waiheke Island, that he started to appreciate the complexities involved in growing and crafting wine.

Now studying for a Bachelor of Wine Science, he’s learning how to make wine himself. Last year he and some classmates produced a Chardonnay, he says, and this year they’re making a Merlot.

A talented footballer, Ruben was recently awarded an EIT Sports Scholarship worth $2000 a year. When he finishes his degree, he hopes to use his European passport to travel and work in Spain – “or anywhere else on the Continent” – and to trial for football teams.

A keeper, he played in the New Zealand Under 20s squad and, having recently finished the season with Canterbury United, is back in Hawke’s Bay to play for Napier City Rovers.

Ruben recently started a goalkeeping academy – the only one in Hawke’s Bay – and is already finding it is attracting a lot of interest.

Although he doesn’t let it affect the way he plays, he has learnt from experience that committed sports players are “only an injury away from having nothing to do.” When he dislocated a shoulder, he was out of the game for five months.

“I appreciate that I won’t be playing football for the rest of my life which is why I see a tertiary qualification as important,” the 20-year-old says.