University of Canterbury civil engineering student Mitchell Kane is the proud recipient of the Sumner Ferrymead Foundation $5000 Sciences Scholarship. With a passion for environmental and geotechnical engineering, Mitchell plans to become a chartered engineer dedicated to developing sustainable infrastructure in New Zealand’s smaller communities.

My goal is to design infrastructure that can adapt to environmental changes and support long-term sustainability,” says Mitchell. “We need innovative, practical solutions to tackle climate and infrastructure challenges head-on.

A Sumner native, Mitchell credits his love for nature—and his love for rock climbing and mountaineering in places like Arthur’s Pass and the Port Hills—as shaping his commitment to sustainable engineering.

The outdoors keep me balanced and motivated. Sumner gave me so many opportunities to connect with nature growing up, and I want to protect that for future generations.

The scholarship, he says, is not just financial assistance—it’s a vote of confidence. “It allows me to focus on my studies and future impact. I’m grateful for the support and excited to give back to my community through my work.