PUBLISHED JULY 2024

Scholar Kyarne is ready to rock the big city

Spotswood College prefect Kyarne Broughton-Pratt is showing that coming from a tight-knit community is no barrier to realising big-city dreams. The talented student says his First Foundation scholarship will support him in reaching his potential with a university degree and connections to make his mark in economics and maybe even music. 

“I play guitar, drums, a little bit of bass. A small group of students and I started a group aimed at showcasing the musical talents of youth around New Plymouth.”

However, Kyarne has more than rhythm. He’s also an outstanding mathematician and is looking forward to applying his skills to financial systems and markets.   

“I hope to study commerce at either Victoria or the University of Auckland. 

“It will be such a change from small
New Plymouth; it’ll be way bigger, with way more people and completely new challenges. The pace will be very different compared to home. And I’m really excited for all that will bring.”

Scholarship helps cover the cost of study

Kyarne says his family would have difficulty sending him to university without the financial support of the First Foundation scholarship. His parents and grandparents have already sacrificed a lot for his secondary education. This is one of the reasons he’s been so dedicated to his studies and school life.

“One of my main goals in life is to help my family. It would mean a lot to me to finish university and build a career that could provide for them.”

Rallying for the regions

First Foundation’s CEO, Kirk Sargent, is ‘born and bred’ in Taranaki. He says it’s rewarding to come home and work with local businesses to ensure the community’s deserving rangatahi get a hand up.

“I am acutely aware of the disparity within New Zealand and between our regions. Rural students don’t have the luxury of studying while they still live at home – their financial burden is automatically bigger. ”

“We see many young people sacrificing higher education. It’s not only them who miss out, but the country as well. Each time we help a scholar lift themselves up, they bring so many others with them.”

Partners have a powerful role

Sargent says businesses that help as scholarship partners can make a huge difference by supporting local students — it broadens opportunities for local families and enriches homegrown talent. Kyarne’s scholarship is supported by NZCT, which has a particular focus on supporting regional communities. 

“First Foundation addresses disparity head-on by providing opportunities for first-in-family students from regional areas. 

“Kyarne is an outstanding example of a student with high potential who thrives when given the chance. Our alumni contribute a disproportionately large amount back into our country’s productivity and economic growth. We know Kyarne will make
First Foundation, his family and New Plymouth proud.”