Canon at Hands-On at Otago 2026
Building Meaningful Connections with Future Talent
Canon Group
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The University of Otago’s long-running Hands-On at Otago programme gives Year 12 and 13 students a valuable week-long experience of university life. As the University’s sole print technology provider, Canon plays an important role in supporting the initiative - funding scholarships for students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend.
Throughout the week, Canon representatives Emma Mawson and David Balsom were on-site, connecting with students, engaging with university leadership, and reinforcing Canon’s ongoing commitment to education, career development, and purpose-led outcomes.
Scholarship recipients were welcomed with Canon packs delivered to their accommodation, each accompanied by a personalised letter from Canon’s National Sales Manager, Tony Phibbs. The programme officially commenced with a formal opening attended by senior university leaders and special guest Grant Robertson, where Canon’s long-standing partnership was recognised as a key contributor to the programme’s success.
Midweek, Canon hosted a sponsored lunch for scholarship recipients, bringing together scholarship recipients and Canon Red Shirt volunteers in a relaxed setting that encouraged meaningful conversations and connection. This was followed by visits to student project sessions, offering insight into the collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving taking place across the cohort.
The Canon team also supported key programme moments, including the highly anticipated Big Night Out, where students connected through creative performances, and the final day presentations, where students shared their learning and experiences with peers, tutors, and an audience of over 500 attendees.
Canon’s partnership with the University of Otago’s Hands-On at Otago programme goes beyond technology - it’s about empowering students through real, human connection. At the heart of this experience are the volunteers donning the iconic Canon Red Shirt, whose passion and leadership help bring the programme to life for hundreds of secondary school students each year.
Their stories reflect the impact of the initiative - not just on the students attending, but on those guiding them too.
“Being a Canon Red Shirt means a lot - it’s an opportunity to share knowledge and inspire the next generation. I’ve loved showcasing our beautiful university and the Dunedin region.”
Jonty Robertson, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Returning Canon Red Shirt 2026
“Being a Canon Red Shirt is one of the most rewarding roles I’ve held. I love helping students build lasting friendships and providing a supportive environment throughout the week, while inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators.”
Lily Heidmann, Master of Science in Marine Science, Returning Canon Red Shirt 2026
“I loved engaging with the students and the fast-paced energy of the programme. It’s a great opportunity to share my university experience, grow my leadership skills, and inspire the next wave of rangatahi.”
Mikayla Robson, Master of Science in Marine Science, First-Time Canon Red Shirt 2026
The Hands-On at Otago programme delivers a transformative, real-world university experience that helps students build confidence, expand their perspectives, and clarify their future pathways. Through immersive learning, peer connection, and exposure to academic environments, participants gain a deeper understanding of university life while developing independence and social networks beyond their local communities. For students from rural or underrepresented backgrounds, the experience is both empowering and aspirational, opening doors to new opportunities and reinforcing a belief that they can thrive in higher education and beyond.
“My highlight of the Hands-On at Otago week was visiting the project sessions and observing the students fully engaged with their tutors as well as each other. The program does an amazing job connecting complete strangers in a world class education facility.”
David Balsom, Canon Regional Sales Manager
By actively engaging with the programme throughout the week, Canon reinforces its long-standing relationship with the University of Otago while positioning itself as a genuine and proud supporter of the next generation’s growth and success.
Hands-On at Otago continues to be a valuable platform for Canon to support students beyond immediate academic outcomes. Canon is extremely proud in playing a meaningful role in shaping future pathways and making a difference through education initiatives to create wider impact for the future generation and the society.
“Canon’s partnership with Hands-on at Otago has been an enduring one, and their involvement in our 2026, is just as special as when the partnership first begun.
Monique Wright, Hands-on at Otago Co-Convenor
Canon’s philosophy of Kyosei ‘living and working together for the common good’, is central to the Hands-on at Otago experience. 400 students coming together from 200 different Secondary Schools, for one week to experience living and learning as University of Otago students. The Canon team aren’t just a name on a t-shirt for Hands-on at Otago, they travel from all over the country to meet the Canon Scholarship Students, join them at their projects, are on our judging panel for the “lip-sync’’ competition and help celebrate their success at the end of week report back session. A special part of the partnership is the Canon Red-Shirts, this team of current University of Otago students are employed to support our Blue Shirts (Secondary School students), during their time on campus with us, sharing their experience, and providing support as students are navigating this incredibly fun and inspiring, yet often demanding week.
We are continually grateful for the genuine support the Canon team provided to the Hands-on at Otago programme.”
Canon is proud to have awarded the 2026 Hands-On at Otago Scholarships to the following recipients:
• Vimal Chopra – Rotorua Boys’ High School
• Dj Daniel-lee-lo – De La Salle College
• Alora Elisara – Auckland Girls’ Grammar School
• Bailey McCallum – Rotorua Boys’ High School
• Hegby Ronald – Mairehau High School
• Deborah Ta’ufo’ou - Tamaki College
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