Tasman Stuart (21) was following doctor’s orders when he chose to study surveying at the University of Otago. Tasman, raised and schooled in Napier, has had a lifelong love of the outdoors, but he didn’t know how that fitted with a tertiary degree.
“I have learned so much. I didn’t realise how much a family it creates, and I certainly had no idea I’d be flying around the country annually and meeting all the high-level people I have. I honestly didn’t know how connected the scholarship is to New Zealand’s property industry, or that it is held in such high renown.”
While working as a paid surf lifesaver during the school holidays, he got talking to a colleague who was studying medicine at Otago. ‘Naturally, I asked her what was a unique and interesting degree which involved being outdoors,’ says Tasman. She replied without hesitation: surveying. After further research and some work experience, Tasman was left in no doubt. The fourth year Bachelor of Surveying student – and avid fisher, surfer and hiker – is proof the degree is the best prescription. He is the first in his immediate family to attend university.
● How did you first find out about Keystone?
“Through my careers counsellor, Carola Laurs, at Napier Boys’ High School.”
● What was the most challenging aspect of the interview process?
“Sitting in front of a panel of people I’ve never met before and not really knowing what was expected of me or what they wanted from me. It was quite nerve-wracking.”
● What have you learned about Keystone that you didn’t know before being awarded a Scholarship?
“I have learned so much. I didn’t realise how much a family it creates, and I certainly had no idea I’d be flying around the country annually and meeting all the high-level people I have. I honestly didn’t know how connected the scholarship is to New Zealand’s property industry, or that it is held in such high renown.
● What difference has the scholarship made to your studies?
“With little financial support available from my family, I probably wouldn’t be here without it. The phone call from Amanada [Staines – Keystone general manager] informing me I was a successful applicant would forever change my life. Keystone also made me believe in myself – it gave me pride. I wasn’t the smartest at school and surveying is a pretty hard degree, so there was definitely a lot of doubt going into it. However, Keystone gave me confidence. It also made a huge impact on how I saw the construction / property industry.”
● What personal talent do you have that Keystone may not know about?
“I can spin a pen around my fingers and thumbs.”
● Have you worked with, or are you currently working with, a sponsor company?
“Unfortunately no to both. However, I’ve been fortunate enough to attend a wide range of events and experiences with sponsor companies. From project site visits that gave me real insight into the property industry to awards evenings with CEOs and industry leaders, each experience has helped me grow.”
● What place does AI have in your future plans?
“I’m studying land surveying, and the word on the street is that AI won’t really have much of an impact on the measurement / physical side. However, AI will definitely have an impact on the cadastral planning side and will in the future help write subdivision and resource consents, create survey plans and just automate the planning process a bit.”
● Final thoughts:
“One of the most valuable parts of being a Keystone scholar is the bond between students. The trust creates an invaluable chain of students through which knowledge and wisdom are passed through the years. Before I had even begun uni, I was introduced to older Keystone survey students Jett Gannaway, Jimmy Luff and Reif Mayo. They provided reassurance when times got tough and gave advice only someone who’d been through it could offer.”
This story is part of the My Story Could Be Your Story series. You can read more stories here or watch the interviews on our Keystone Trust YouTube channel.
