(Left to right) Quade Ewart-Pothoven, Kee’arn Ewart-Pothoven, Rozane Duncan, Marsha Cadman
If juggling full-time study, A-grade results, an internship, whānau commitments, part-time work and basketball coaching sounds like a lot, it is. For Kee’arn Ewart-Pothoven (Ngāti Kahungunu), it’s been the norm.
The Ryman James Wattie Scholarship is awarded to an ākonga in the third year of their Bachelor of Business Studies. An initiative Ryman Chief Operating Officer Marsha Cadman sees as an investment in young people of the Hawke’s Bay region who show promise.
“It’s a fantastic boost to any student who’s trying to juggle their studies as well as cover their living expenses, which are getting harder and harder as we know,” she said.
Grandson of Sir James Wattie, Bruce Wattie joined EIT representatives, with friends and whānau in the crowd, to celebrate this year’s recipient, Kee’arn Ewart-Pothoven. Village Manager Sally Garvan, who helped select this year’s scholar, says he is a worthy one.
“Today is all about celebrating excellence in our young people from the region and recognising their achievements to date with an outstanding scholarship award to encourage them to reach even greater heights.” Sally said.
Strong academic results were only part of it. EIT Head of School, Business, Tourism, Hospitality and English Language, Dr Gareth Allison, saw qualities that made Kee’arn the sixth recipient of the $15,000 award.
EIT Head of School, Business, Tourism, Hospitality and English Language, Dr Gareth Allison
“At the heart of what we do is our belief in the power of education. Every day we see students balancing study with work commitments, family responsibilities, financial pressures, and community obligations. Their success is often achieved through sacrifice, determination, and a willingness to keep moving forward even when circumstances are difficult.”
“When reviewing applications, we look for more than academic achievement alone. We seek individuals who demonstrate character, leadership, service, resilience, and the potential to create positive change in their communities. The student we are recognising today exemplifies exactly those qualities.”
Dr Gareth Allison – EIT Head of School, Business
Last year’s recipient James McKinley-Blake shared his journey and what the scholarship and EIT’s support meant for his career, along with some words of wisdom for his friend and this year’s winner.
“Make the most of the opportunities that come your way, make the most of the people you meet and make the most of the time you have left studying. You don’t have to know exactly where everything is going to lead, but the last thing you want is to look back and wish you had said yes to an opportunity when you had the chance.”
Kee’arn will be the first in his whānau to earn a degree, and he has spent years juggling work, whānau and study. The scholarship means he can focus on his future without making rushed decisions.
“The scholarship has given me time. Once I finish my degree and internship at the end of the year, I don’t have to take the first job that pops up. I have choices and can find what is best for my career.”
He credits EIT School of Business lecturer Russell Booth with helping to guide the start of his career path into aged care.
“The amount of time Russell dedicated to me and other business students is awesome. We did some self-reflection at the start of the year, and he identified that I care about people, and that’s when this internship popped up.”
Raised by his grandmother, and with deep respect for kaumātua, Kee’arn brings that grounding to every decision he makes at work.
“I just think, ‘would my grandma be all right in this situation?’ and that informs every decision I make.”
He sees the scholarship’s namesake as a shining example of the business leader he wants to be.
“If I could take a leaf out of Sir James Wattie’s book, it’s that whatever you do, you want to make a lasting impact. It’s not just about success and money; it’s about the difference you make.” – Kee’arn Ewart-Pothoven
(Left to right) Bruce Wattie and Kee’arn Ewart-Pothoven
Marsha Cadman is proud to keep building on a six-year partnership.
“Sir James Wattie was a man who saw great potential for an opportunity, and he realised that potential. He believed in constant innovation, and he believed in giving back to the community. By partnering with the School of Business at the Eastern Institute of Technology, we believe we can emulate those values by supporting a promising student from the school of business.”
Gareth sees the same alignment. “Ryman villages are built on values that resonate strongly with our own at EIT. They are communities grounded in care, respect, connection, and a commitment to enhancing people’s lives. Importantly, Ryman also recognises the value of investing in future generations, and this scholarship is a wonderful example of that commitment in action.”