Mike Higgins – taking his last bow as a Keystone Trust trustee

June 9, 2020

There are few names more synonymous with Keystone Trust than Mike Higgins.

When a group of like-minded property industry mates got together after Graeme Bringans’ tragic death in 1994, Mike was there. When the fledgling Trust was incorporated later that year, Mike was amongst the founding trustees.

For all the intervening 27 years, Mike has served continuously as trustee, Chairman, head of the selection committee, and every other possible governance role that the trust required on its journey of growth.  From humble beginnings, Mike and his fellow trustees gathered the seed capital that is now represented in the Trust’s investment reserves. His influence facilitated and encouraged the early sponsors and laid the foundation for today’s Key Scholarship Partner’s, Sponsors, and supporters.

But Mike’s most important legacy is not the structure or form of the Trust. The 164 Alumni spread across New Zealand and the world, the 43 current students working their way towards a successful career in our industry are the true measure of Mike.

We owe the existence of the Keystone Trust to Mike and his colleagues all those years ago, and a debt of gratitude for the 27 unfailing years of service, Mike has given us.

Go well Mike – we can’t argue you haven’t earned your retirement!

You may also like

AECOM – 25 years of sponsorship!

AECOM – 25 years of sponsorship!

What is it that makes a relationship with Keystone so enduring? One compelling story is illustrated by AECOM, which has been by the trust’s side for 25 years. Its intergenerational association was marked at this year's awards evening, when the global infrastructure...

read more
From Blenheim to Papua New Guinea – Making a Global Impact

From Blenheim to Papua New Guinea – Making a Global Impact

Shane Phillips, a standout Keystone scholar of 2008, is mining his life experiences to deliver new hope to one of the world’s most deprived areas. Shane is general manager, projects, for TSA Riley New Zealand. It’s here, at their high-rise office in downtown Auckland,...

read more
The Keystone story – in every sense!

The Keystone story – in every sense!

Lloyd Budd lives the Keystone story - in every sense. Be it trust, business, or family matters, he’s had a hand in it. And now Lloyd has added another string to his bow: he’s joining the Keystone Trust board following the retirement of long-term trustee Mike Bayley....

read more