Rhodes Scholar Returns

We were delighted to welcome back Ben to speak to a number of classes and the Climate Group.

Ben encouraged students to work out their own values, what is important to them and to follow their passions as they negotiate their way in the world. 

He answered lots of interesting questions ranging from Climate Change, our individual responsibilities and societal responsibilities, to balancing study and social life and the value of interpersonal, relational skills. Ben fondly remembered his time at Logan Park and said it prepared him well for his future study at Oxford University and mixing with some of the brightest students in the world. 

He said Logan Park fosters creativity and independent thinking which has helped him in his journey. He appreciated the diverse range of teachers and teaching styles during his time at Logan Park. Ben is passionate about working to contribute to make the world a better place.

Ben was our Head Boy in 2009 and runner up to Dux, and he completed a BA Hons in Politics at Otago University. Ben was also a talented sportsman playing basketball and representing Otago every year until U22. Additionally he played cricket, soccer and volleyball. 

He won a Rhodes Scholarship and studied at Oxford University finishing a PhD on Public Policy with a focus on global climate change. Ben also completed a Masters at Oxford in Global Governance and Diplomacy. His service at University was around poverty and non-profit organisations.   

Whilst doing his PhD at Oxford, Ben had paid research work in environmental policy in the US, UK, China, and Latin America. 

He was starting a new job in Wellington in a July with the Climate Change Commission.