More than two decades ago, as Director at the former Carson Group, Peter Chudleigh embraced a position as a sponsorship partner of the Keystone Trust. Fast forward to now, and the commitment is back in action, prompted by the persuasive call of Trustee and Keystone alumni Simone Sharp.
Simone joined independent project management consultancy Rubix in September 2023 as National Health Sector Lead and Project Director. She has also taken a lead role in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
“As a previous supporter of th
e Trust, there’s a consciousness that Simone brought front-of-mind at a time our business has grown to a point we can really add value to the sponsorship process,” says Peter, Managing Director of Rubix.
Simone was Keystone Trust’s first Bayleys Real Estate Key Scholarship recipient in 2006 and has since moved on to become an integral part of the alumni and broader Trust network as Chair of the Alumni Association, mentor, student leader, and Trustee – a role which saw her take a seat at the table in 2023.
Pledging to work exclusively for Keystone-aligned businesses, Simone continues to advocate for the Trust, raising its profile and attracting new commercial relationships, reflected by the latest partnership with Rubix.
The national business has recently become the Trust’s 18th Key Scholarship Partner (KSP), a role providing funding, mentorship and work experience opportunities for a tertiary student working towards a qualification in New Zealand’s property and construction sector.
Peter says the Trust’s work is vital in supporting young rangatahi to realise their potential and reflects that the challenges faced 20 years ago were very different.
“Back then, Project Management was a mystery to most school-leavers. People in the sector came from a background primarily in civil engineering and were overwhelmingly male. We’ve come a long way, and while we still need greater diversity and new energy to innovate, pastoral care is the real focal point today.”
Students face 
tremendous obstacles, Simone says, which highlights the wraparound support provided by the Trust and its sponsorship partners.
“The industry is struggling with capacity, and brilliant young minds can become disengaged. We’re finding ways to attract and retain our talent to ensure the long-term health of the property and construction sector.
“The practical experience Rubix offers a new entrant is priceless and grounded in how to be a good consultant.”
Peter agrees, adding that the team comprises seasoned industry leaders highly motivated to share their expertise. He notes there’s a real buzz across the Rubix network, with team members excited at the potential of this new partnership.
“This opportunity will foster students’ personal growth, but our team also recognises the inherent value in mentorship opportunities that contribute to their professional development and the industry’s good.”
Simone adds that young people bring new energy and vibrancy to projects and the office environment.
“We’re a close-knit team, selected equally for emotional intelligence as business acumen, and our values of family and culture are closely aligned with those of the Trust and its students.
“Keystone’s students will find a happy home here with us,” Simone says.
Rubix is a professional services firm offering a full suite of project management services and a dedicated health and safety service with a national presence spanning nine offices between Whangarei and Queenstown. It is a Toitū Climate-certified business, and a New Zealand Green Building Council member.
For further media enquiries, please contact:
Amanda Stanes
Keystone Trust – General Manager
M: 021 689 380
