Giovanni was proud to have been the only Pacific Islander at his
school to receive a Massey University, Vice Chancellors Award in
2005. In the same year he received awards for Academic Excellence
in Art and English. Giovanni also displayed huge talent for Sports,
singing and leadership.
Through the First Foundation Scholarship, Giovanni and Mentor Matt
Fraser formed a long-term connection and despite Giovanni becoming
an Alumni, they continue to meet. Scholarship Partner BRANZ saw
this young man with a bright future and also wanted to support him.
For Giovanni "the biggest benefit was to witness and be a part of
BRANZ business and work. The experience gained from such an
influential business is something I value with utmost
appreciation," he states. "It has given me confidence and
motivation to succeed in the future."
Giovanni enrolled at Victoria University and graduated
in May 2013 with a a Bachelor of Arts with a
double major in Political Science and International Relations.
Since then he has worked at BRANZ and then Project
Advisor for the Ministry for Primary Industries - Aquaculture,
Growth & Innovation / Sector Partnerships and Programmes Branch
and has been appointed Acting manager Investment Portfolio.
Giovanni is currently a mentor for a Foundation Steps student from
the Class of 2016.