The University of Otago is ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world. People choose Otago for academic excellence and an outstanding student experience.

Canon’s partnership with the university extends beyond being its sole print provider into helping develop and enable the future leaders of our community through various sponsorship initiatives.

One of these initiatives is Hands on at Otago which is designed to encourage high school students to pursue further study. It shows interested students what researchers do, why they do these things and to encourage talented young New Zealanders to consider further study as a step in their career pathway.

Otago University is internationally renowned for its exceptional scientific research and education, allowing young New Zealanders to learn from the best. Canon has been sponsoring New Zealand Science Fair winners to participate in Hands-On at Otago for many years and maintained this sponsorship after COVID-19 impacted various schools and students.

Fostering New Opportunities

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canon and the university reviewed the Hands on at Otago program due to the inability to hold Science Fair events at schools throughout the country.

At this point a new scholarship was introduced that was focused on students from decile 1-3 schools. The sponsorship included complimentary airfares and registration for six students to attend the week-long event at Hands on at Otago.

Additionally, students also get the opportunity to improve their photography skills with guidance from a Canon specialist during the week at a Canon Photography Taster workshop.

Canon works closely with Co-convenor Prajesh Chanabhai at the University to select successful students based on specific criteria.

“The real joy about this scholarship is when we call these young people to let them know that they have been awarded this scholarship. The tears, the smiles and the emotion are priceless.”

Prajesh Chanabhai, Schools Liaison Officer at the University of Otago

This year’s scholarship recipients

We are pleased to announce this year’s lucky recipients:

• Angel Dean – Tamatea High School
• Faamaoni Ki-toalepai – Naenae College
• Grace Lovell – Waitara High School
• Jermellia Talavou – Mangere College
• Josh Pasina – Kelston Boys High School
• Sam Tapuai – Tangaroa College

“It meant quite a lot as I come from a family of 10 living in a 6 bedroom house. This program opened me to new opportunities and perseverance of where and what I want to study for the benefit for my future.”

Jermellia Talavou

“It meant that my parents didn't have to worry about the money, and I didn't have to spend most of my holidays to make up for the money they spent. Instead, some of the money I worked for this holidays can go to attending university in the future.”

Grace Lovell

Working together for the common good

We are extremely proud of our partnership with Otago University and the important initiatives we’re able to deliver through working together. These initiatives form a key part of Canon’s broader outcomes plan in helping create opportunities for our youth, as well as disadvantaged communities.

At the heart of this partnership is the opportunity for young New Zealanders to explore various educational avenues, providing a meaningful stepping-stone in the paths of our future leaders.