College – Issue 44

Perseverance Luke Alderton – doing a power of good

L awyer, youth health advocate, corporate tax consultant, and New Zealand powerchair sport representative – Luke Alderton relishes any chance to make a difference. His multiple accomplishments also highlight his ability to navigate the challenges of a spinal injury from a young age. The Condell’s House Old Boy’s commitment to taking on new roles has continued since leaving College in 2017, with Luke launching his career with PwC this year. “I was really fortunate that my University of Canterbury scholarship (the John Waller Memorial Scholarship College of Business and Law Award for Excellence) included internships at both BNZ and PwC, which is where I work now,” Luke says. “At the end of my PwC internship – and while still studying for my double degree – I was offered my first job as a tax consultant. I now have my Bachelor of Laws

and a Bachelor of Arts, with a double Major in Economics, and Political Science and International Relations. My present role draws on my knowledge of law and politics, along with the economics lens that I bring. My job certainly plays to my strengths, utilising my varied educational background. “With my degrees, I always sought to take a broad and generic approach, wanting to keep my options open. While wanting my study to be interesting, I also needed to ensure that it could be applied to different career scenarios. At UC, I also took on the position of President of the

Old Boys as we have plenty to talk about and this all makes the transition from university to the workplace so much easier.” Away from his studies and career, Luke plays powerchair football and has been a member of the sport’s national committee. He has also been a member of the Youth Advisory Council, focusing on health. “I have played powerchair football since 2013, right through my time at College,” Luke says. “However, my personal highlight came in 2019, when I captained the New Zealand team in the World Cup zone qualifier at Sydney Olympic Park. Sadly, we missed out on a qualification spot by only one goal. I was also a member of the CDHB Youth Advisory Council from 2014–2022, holding the role of deputy chair for much of that time and advocating for young people within youth health services.” Acknowledging the importance of his College years, Luke

Political Science Society. “In December 2023, I was

admitted to the New Zealand High Court as a barrister and solicitor, and my boss at PwC was my moving counsel. I hope that my present role will be a springboard for my career, and I aim to stay with PwC and enjoy the corporate tax and enterprise environment. It is also great working with fellow

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