Trust Horizon supports local Engineering student with $10,000 scholarship

Third year University of Canterbury student Lara Longney has been awarded the Trust Horizon & Aruhiko – Power Engineering Excellence Trust (PEET) scholarship, earning the Whakatāne local $10,000 to support her studies.

Growing up near Pūtauaki (Mount Edgecumbe), surrounded by unique geothermal activity, Lara’s interest in renewable energy began early. “We always had two solar panels on our roof, and in intermediate school I did a project to see how much money they were saving us,” explains Lara. “Seeing first-hand how we could generate electricity from a source you can’t even see made me realise the amazing power of renewable energy.”

This interest followed Lara throughout Whakatāne High School – where she was named Dux – and all the way to Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, University of Canterbury. Now in her third year, Lara is completing a programme for the BE(Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. “I’m particularly focused on power system stability, and how we can integrate more renewable energy into our daily lives without harming the environment or network.”

The scholarship programme is run by Aruhiko – Power Engineering Excellence Trust (PEET), a not-for-profit organisation aiming to inspire, encourage, and engage the next generation of power engineering talent.

Trust Horizon has partnered with PEET since 2022, offering an annual $10,000 scholarship pool for up to three students originating from the Eastern Bay of Plenty, who are studying electrical and electronic engineering at the University of Canterbury or University of Auckland.

As Trust Horizon Trustee Merrin Stables explains, Lara proved an outstanding applicant. “From her exemplary academic records, to her internships and work experience, Lara’s dedication to her field is clear. The Trust commends Lara’s passion for renewable energy, and her clear vision of the role it can play in New Zealand’s future. We’re thrilled to be able to support her academic journey as she heads into the final years of her studies.”

Lara currently works summer jobs and as a tutor to help cover her university fees. With the scholarship, she will now be able to enhance her studies by attending conferences both locally and overseas. It will also help fund a trip to the South Island to visit the Manapōuri hydro power station. “When you’re studying you get to learn about these things theoretically, but seeing them in person really gives you a sense of the sheer scale of the hydros,” says Lara. “It’s not always easy to finance your studies, and the scholarship will be a great help.”

After leaving university, Lara hopes to play a role in shaping the future of electricity in New Zealand – contributing to innovative and sustainable power solutions, designed to meet the growing demand for renewable energy.

“I’m so grateful to Trust Horizon for helping people like myself with these kinds of scholarships,” says Lara. “It’s amazing to have the support of the place where you’ve grown up. It feels like having a little bit of home with me while I’m away studying in Canterbury.”

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