I can see my hard work is starting to pay off: BDO Sir Henare Ngata Scholarship recipient William wants to make his family proud

William is a recipient of the BDO Sir Henare Ngata Scholarship - awarded each year to three accounting students nationally to help grow the next generation of Māori accountants.

William Bovey pivoted from a marketing degree into accounting, after realising his passion for numbers, problem solving and working with people. 

Here he shares his motivations and career aspirations before he joins BDO Wellington in July. 

“I have some really important role models who have made me who I am. I want to have the same sort of impact on someone else.”

I come from Ngāti Pareraukawa in the Horowhenua ranges down in Palmerston North. I’ve moved away from home for university, and it’s quite hard to get home as often as I’d like with my studies and part-time job, but I love going back.

When I first started at University, I was doing a marketing degree, and it was during the mandatory business and economics classes that I realised that ‘actually, I think this is more what I should be doing’. I enjoyed working with numbers and the problem-solving aspect, but also the idea of working with people, so I changed my degree to accounting. 

This scholarship will reduce some of the financial pressure that comes with studying, and help me to focus more on my education, but it will also give me the opportunity to continue building my accounting skills and gain valuable experience. 

I’m drawn to the Business Advisory space because of the opportunity to work closely with clients to understand how their business operates and help them grow. I’m looking forward to joining the team at BDO Wellington and developing my professional career. 

My “why”, is my family. I want to make them proud.

They have helped me so much. Getting the scholarship helps me show them that I really do try hard and I’m giving my all. It meant so much to me to be recognised for my efforts. I was speechless. 

For me, success looks like staying grounded and connected to my family. It’s so important to have a strong support network, with people around you who have your back. 

“There’s no downside to applying, put yourself out there”

You should definitely apply. If you get the scholarship, it will give you so many opportunities and help you start your career. For me, it’s another step towards my future goals. 

About the BDO Sir Henare Ngata Scholarship

The BDO Sir Henare Ngata Scholarship aims to help address the underrepresentation of Māori within the accounting profession. It offers financial assistance, an internship or graduate opportunity with a BDO firm, registration to the Ngā Kaitatau Māori o Aotearoa hui, and mentorship with BDO. To find out more, click here.