University of Waikato first-year Bachelor of Engineering student Nathan Bailey is the inaugural recipient of the Tauranga Moana Futures Scholarship.

Established in 2022, the Tauranga Moana Futures Scholarship was set up to support talented undergraduate students whose area of study will contribute to the future development of Tauranga City and the wider region.

Nathan was chosen based on his desire to give back and improve Tauranga City for future generations.

Nathan, a Tauranga Boys' College alumnus, has experienced first-hand many of the challenges he hopes to solve one day.

'Tauranga is an incredibly fast-growing city, but it lacks sufficient road infrastructure which causes delays all over," says Nathan.

'I'm excited to give back, to redefine and reengineer Tauranga so this growing city can flourish to its fullest potential.”

When considering what to study at the University of Waikato, civil engineering was a natural fit. Nathan describes himself as a keen problem-solver and has many ideas for the development of Tauranga's backed up roads.

The scholarship, worth up to $40,000, will support Nathan as he completes his four-year degree. Nathan will also receive work experience and project-based learning opportunities at Tauranga City Council.

Nathan says he is grateful to be awarded the scholarship.

'Getting this scholarship has helped reduce the financial pressure. With everything being so expensive and the cost of living increasing, this scholarship means I probably won't have to eat so many 2-minute noodles. I'm also really looking forward to the work experience at Tauranga City Council as I know how valuable it will be for my future.”

Tauranga City Council Director of Transport Brendan Bisley was on the interview panel and says the Council is proud to offer the scholarship to such a deserving local recipient.

'Nathan stood out as he demonstrated a high level of commitment across his academic and personal pursuits. He demonstrated good consideration of Tauranga City Council aspirations and brought a genuine curiosity and problem-solving mindset to the conversation. The Transport team look forward to seeing his progress and welcome his participation in an internship with us in the near future.”

Tauranga City Council's partnership with the University will ensure the development of future talent in engineering and environmental sciences as the civic precinct redevelopment project gets underway.