Maria is studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing at the University of Auckland. Between classes and exams, she has been using weekends and university breaks to gain experience across the industry.
“Every chance I get, whether it is on the weekends or during university breaks, I have been trying to learn as much as I can about the racing industry,” she said.
Receiving the NZTR McKenzie Future Leaders Scholarship has been an important part of Maria’s first year at university, supporting her studies as she continues to build her knowledge and connections across the Thoroughbred industry.
During a recent two-week break, Maria returned home to Matamata to work in the broodmare division at local Thoroughbred nursery, Elsdon Park. Having spent much of her time around racehorses, she welcomed the opportunity to learn more about breeding and foaling. She assisted with veterinary work, learnt about mare care and treatments, and was there for the arrival of several foals.
“I usually spend most of my time around racehorses, so it was interesting to see where it all begins,” she said.
Maria has also explored the media side of racing, an area she hopes to pursue in her career. At Waikato Thoroughbred Racing’s Foxbridge Plate Day, she spent time in Trackside’s broadcast production trucks seeing how a raceday broadcast comes together, before joining on-course presenters Emily Murphy and Brendan Popplewell for the rest of the day. A tour of Entain’s Auckland broadcasting studio followed, and she hopes to spend more time with the Trackside team in the coming months.
“It was really interesting to see how much goes on behind the scenes that you don't realise when watching from home,” she said.
Alongside those experiences, Maria has attended racedays and enjoyed her first New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards.
“It was my first time attending the event, so it was very cool to experience,” she said.
Her own first racehorse has recently had her first trial at Ellerslie, giving Maria another reason to follow the season closely.
Looking ahead, Maria will travel to Australia to work at the Sydney Breeze Up sales with Sullivan Bloodstock and attend The Everest raceday. She is also looking forward to working with New Zealand Bloodstock again at their upcoming Ready to Run Sale.
Jointly funded by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and Dean McKenzie, the NZTR McKenzie Future Leaders Scholarship offers up to $10,000 to support a young person with a connection to New Zealand’s Thoroughbred racing industry as they begin university study.
Maria hopes other students with a passion for racing will consider applying for the scholarship.
“I’d also definitely recommend the scholarship to other students. It has been extremely beneficial for me throughout the year, and I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to receive it,” she said.
Applications for the next NZTR McKenzie Future Leaders Scholarship are now open and close on Friday 13 November 2026. Recent school leavers who are New Zealand residents, have a connection to New Zealand’s Thoroughbred industry and plan to study a business or law degree at a New Zealand university are encouraged to apply. Applications must include a cover letter and CV. For full eligibility criteria and application details, visit the NZTR Careers website.
Scholarship Enquiries:
Ashleigh Curran
Head of People and Performance
ashleigh.curran@nztr.co.nz