Kanj Patel

Kanj Patel was just three years old when his family left India, ready to start their new life in New Zealand.

“My parents moved here because they wanted to give me better opportunities, as the education system and future prospects of New Zealand were much better than India at the time,” he says.

Kanj graduated from the University of Waikato with a Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours (First Class Honours) (BMS(Hons), majoring in Accounting with two minors in Finance and Management Communication;  and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), majoring in Law.

It’s an achievement that would typically take more than six years to complete, but Kanj did it in only four. “I needed to get on the gas and get it done as fast as possible,” he says.

Highlights of his studies included industry lectures, a marketing trade show, mooting, negotiation competitions, and presentations. Kanj credits Professor David McKie, who taught leadership communication, with transforming his public speaking ability.

"Make the most out of every opportunity, because ultimately your time at university is what you make of it," he says.

Kanj was also chosen as the student speaker for his graduation ceremony in Hamilton – a moment of pride for his whole family. “Graduation was huge for me because my parents sacrificed so much to emigrate to New Zealand.”

His parents' qualifications weren’t recognised when they arrived, so they had to start again. “Dad went from being a civil engineer in India, and mum a housewife with an IT and economics degree, to both working in labour jobs on minimum wage. They’ve been amazing and I owe a lot to them.”

After finishing at Hamilton Boys’ High School, Kanj started a health science degree at the University of Otago, but soon realised it wasn’t for him. He returned to Hamilton and enrolled at the University of Waikato, working closely with academics to speed up the process.

“I loved my time at university; I worked as a student ambassador at a range of recruitment events, helping high school students explore their study options. I also worked as a student advisor, assisting current students with enrolment, fees, visas and general support."

After completing a summer internship at PwC Hamilton, Kanj was offered a permanent role as a financial assurance associate, auditing a diverse range of clients in industries such as forestry, electricity, and retail. After nearly four years at PwC, he is now a client services manager at accounting firm Maisey Harris & Co.

"It’s definitely a bittersweet feeling leaving behind such an amazing place and group of people, but I’m excited for what’s ahead."