2013 Girdlers' Scholarship winner announced

Kerry Mackereth is looking forward to “experiencing the most revered place of higher
learning in the world” when she begins studying for a degree at the Faculty of
Human, Social and Political Science at Cambridge University later this
year.  The 18-year-old former Diocesan School for Girls and current
University of Auckland student, has won the 2013 Girdlers’ Scholarship to study
at Cambridge’s Corpus Christi College.

“To attend Cambridge at such a young age is the type of experience that students
like myself would usually only dream of,” says Kerry.

Administered by Universities New Zealand-Te Pōkai Tara, the Scholarship is funded by the
Girdlers’ Company, which traces its foundation back to medieval times as a
craftsmen’s guild.  The award, worth £25,000 per annum, is offered to one
New Zealand “all-rounder” each year.

“We are delighted with Kerry’s well-deserved selection,” says Peter Trimingham of
the Girdlers’ Company.  “In addition to her outstanding academic
abilities, she has a strong sense of social justice and personal integrity.”

“The Girdlers take great pride in supporting this award, which is symbolic of the
Company’s warm and close relationship with New Zealand since 1933.”

Kerry will be New Zealand’s 49th Girdlers’ Scholar.

During her time at Diocesan School for Girls, Kerry excelled in her studies, and was
named school Dux in 2012. She was awarded a University of Auckland Scholarship
for 2013.

Kerry takes a keen interest in world affairs and was involved in the Human Rights
Council and Model United Nations conferences.

In future, Kerry is looking to specialise in politics and international relations
to pursue a career as a diplomat or to undertake a postgraduate degree in law
specialising in international or human rights law. Kerry also has aspirations
to work at the United Nations, the International Court of Justice or another
non-governmental organisation. She is keen to return to New Zealand one day to
work in politics or foreign affairs.

In addition to her academic excellence, Kerry has shown great dedication to
charity work, such as Habitat for Humanity, and was recognised with a ZONTA
National Young Woman Award in Public Affairs in 2012 for her community
involvement.

Kerry is passionate about music and has sung and played piano for many years, and was
a member of her school’s jazz band and chamber orchestra. She has also
participated in sports including swimming, hockey and fencing.