Hi, my name is George Kruger and I am enrolled as a student of the University of Waikato, studying towards a BSc in Earth and Ocean Sciences. I am in my third year and nearing the completion of my Degree. I do hope to stay on and do some more schooling at Masters Level, but we'll see how things go.
My studies at the moment involve aspects of soil management, groundwater hydrology, environmental monitoring and petrology, but Earth Sciences entail a wide variety of avenues such as volcanology, oceanography, meteorology etc.
Some educational achievements I've been privileged to receive during my years at University:

• A recipient of the Roy Watling Mitchell Bursary Scholarship (2007)
• A Maori excellence award from the Waikato University (2007)
• The Jared Simpson Memorial Prize in Biology and Earth Sciences for 'The Most Meritorious Performance at Second Year' (2006)
• Awarded a member of the Golden Keys Honour Society (2005)
• A few Maori grants and scholarships from my Iwi

The Roy Watling Mitchell Scholarship that I received this year was an awesome help, its tough being a student sometimes, especially near the end of the year when the savings you earned over summer has near dried up. The Scholarship was useful, allowing me to stress less about my money worries and knuckle down on my schoolwork, I am very grateful for the Scholarship and the Maori Education Trust for making such funds available for Maori students.
Study tips:

• Ask for help if you don't understand something
• Prioritize your time wisely
• Apply for any scholarship you can - you just might get lucky!
• Adopt a good study habit

Ko Hikurangi, ko Manawaru nga maunga.
Ko Waiapu, ko Te Arai nga awa.
Ko Takitimu, ko Horouta nga waka.
Ko Ngati Porou, ko Rongowhakaata nga iwi.
Ko Waipara te whanau.
Ko Zak toku ingoa
Tena koutou katoa.

Educated originally at Kaiapoi High School and Opotiki College, I first attended Unitec Institute of Technology, completing a Diploma in Design: Visual Communications. After working as an illustrator and graphic designer, both freelance and at the NZ Herald (for seven years), I embarked on a new course of study at AUT University of Technology, completing my second year of a Bachelor of Digital Design in 2007. My current studies include animation, augmented reality and broadcast motion graphics. While in full-time employment I also learnt te reo Maori at AUT for four years, and attended all the wananga and noho marae that I could, to improve my fluency in the language.
I decided to challenge myself and move into the field of digital design in order to build on the design skills I already have, open up new creative and employment opportunities, and generally try something new. I believe that education is for life, and as an artist I need to constantly update my skills and expose myself to new influences. The Roy Watling Mitchell Bursaries Scholarship has been a great help with the cost of re-training. I will complete my degree in 2008 and hope to then use my new knowledge of emerging technology to create contemporary, Maori narratives.
Having studied previously and worked professionally has helped in being disciplined with my current study. Being a mature student tends to sharpen your focus. I have also recently become a father and look forward to the challenges of parenting.
Achievements

My published illustrative work includes a self-published comic book, children's books produced by Reed Publishing and Scholastic (the most recent: Horeta and the Waka), a collaborative historical comic book: Nga Tupuna/Ancestors, non-fiction books such as Q's Course in Maori and He Kohinga Kiwaha, and illustrations for television programs: Tikitiki, Miharo (a new show debuting on Maori Television in 2008).
At the NZ Herald I researched and created many different infographics on various topics. Auckland Stardome commissioned me to turn my series of graphics on Matariki into a poster that they could sell. My design entry was chosen for the 2007 International Children's Book Day poster by the Children's Literature Foundation of NZ, and has been sent out to over 60 countries this year.

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