Scholarship winners and Level 5 Diploma in Baking students, Zoe Peverley (L) and Molly Wallace

In Brief

  • Two Diploma in Baking students, Zoe Peverley and Molly Wallace, have received scholarships from Champion Flour to help them complete their qualifications.
  • The scholarships remove financial barriers to higher-level study while providing valuable industry experience with Champion Flour’s technical baking team.
  • The scholarships build on a long-standing partnership between Champion Flour and School of Hospitality, supporting the development of skilled graduates for New Zealand’s baking and food manufacturing industry.

Two baking students at School of Hospitality have been awarded scholarships by Champion Flour, enabling them to continue their studies and complete the Diploma in Baking while gaining valuable industry experience.

The scholarships have been awarded to Zoe Peverley and Molly Wallace, both of whom progressed directly from the New Zealand Certificate in Baking to the diploma programme at Ōtara campus.

For the students, these scholarships remove a significant financial barrier at a critical point in their education.

Ms Peverley, who discovered her passion for baking while attending Trades Academy through Te Kura, correspondence and distance learning school, says the scholarship meant she could continue the pathway she had started.

“I decided to start this course to learn the valuable skills I would need for my dream career.

“After finishing Level 4 Bakery, my plan was to apply for Fees Free toward the end of this course because I hadn’t been able to secure a job over the last two years to save for further study. When I found out the Government may cut Fees Free, I was faced with the difficult decision of either stopping my studies before I had finished or going further into debt.

“Because of this scholarship, I’ll be able to go straight into my diploma, allowing me to finish what I started and gain every skill I can for this trade.”

Ms Peverley said studying at School of Hospitality had given her both technical skills and confidence.

“My teachers and lecturers are absolute legends. They’re easy to learn from, full of helpful information, and they’re so much fun to be around. I’m thriving in the MIT environment, learning so many new skills and making connections, even though I had no family links to the baking or food industry.”

Molly Wallace moved from Waikato to Auckland at the age of 16 to study baking with us, inspired by her father, who worked as a baker and chef.

She says continuing to get the diploma was always part of her plan.

“The biggest reason I’m taking this course is because it was the best way for me to further my education in baking so that one day I’ll have the skills to open my own business.”

Like Peverley, Molly says financial support was essential to continuing her studies.

“I applied for this scholarship because a financial grant is my only way to do this course. Since the end of Fees Free, I had no other way to afford it.

“This scholarship will help me so much. It’s the only way I’ll be able to complete the course and I’m so grateful for that.”

Ms Wallace says studying at Ōtara Campus has reinforced her passion for the industry.

“I’ve loved studying at MIT. Meeting so many awesome people and having tutors who clearly have a passion for this industry has made it such a great experience.”

Craig Lucas, Head of School and Principal Lecturer, School of Hospitality, Tourism and Service Industries, says such scholarships help students complete a qualification that can significantly strengthen their career opportunities.

“Champion’s scholarship will help these two students complete the final step in their baking journey. Earning their Diploma is the icing on the cake.

“Many of our ākonga (students) complete a certificate and head straight into employment. While that’s a great outcome, we strive to encourage them to stay and gain a higher-level Diploma. For many, the financial burden makes that difficult.

“Champion’s generosity removes that barrier for two deserving students who otherwise may not have returned. This scholarship is a genuine investment in their future and a fantastic opportunity that will have a lasting impact.”

The scholarships form part of a long-standing partnership between Champion Flour Milling Limited and MIT & Unitec that extends beyond the classroom.

Brian Ontong, National People Manager at Champion Flour Milling Limited, says supporting learners was an investment in the future food manufacturing workforce.

“New Zealand’s food manufacturing sector continues to face technical skills shortages. By partnering with MIT & Unitec, we’re helping develop the next generation of skilled bakers while strengthening our connection with South Auckland and the local industry.”

As part of the scholarship, Peverley and Wallace will work alongside Champion’s technical bakers and sales team, giving them the opportunity to apply their learning in commercial settings and gain first-hand industry experience.