Rhodes Scholars Elect for 2011
Richard Higgins, Ryan Manton and Iona Mylek have been selected as Rhodes Scholars following a selection meeting at Government House in Auckland on Friday.

Tenable at Oxford University, Rhodes Scholarships constitute the pinnacle of achievement for university graduates wishing to pursue postgraduate study at one of the world’s leading universities. In this country, the awards are administered by Universities New Zealand – Te Pōkai Tara.

Richard Higgins has been studying at The University of Auckland where he will complete a conjoint Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Commerce degree which combines Economics with Finance and International Business. At Oxford, he intends to study for a Master of Philosophy in Development Studies. He is particularly interested in undertaking research in an area related to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in developing countries.

Richard’s extra-curricular activities include coaching the First XI hockey team at Massey High School for Girls, mentoring first year students and participating in the United Nations Youth Association. An avid sportsman, he enjoys playing hockey, cricket and running. In addition, Richard has recently been a member of a prize winning men’s barbershop chorus.

Ryan Manton has recently completed a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws double degree with First Class Honours at the University of Canterbury. He is currently working as a Judge’s Clerk at the Court of Appeal. At Oxford, he intends to study for a Bachelor of Civil Law degree, followed by a research-based Master of Philosophy. He is particularly interested in the intersection between international and domestic criminal law.

Ryan is passionate about writing and served as a member of the Editorial Board for the New Zealand Law Students’ Journal. He is also a talented football (soccer) player, having represented Canterbury Under 18s and been selected in the National Youth League Team. Ryan is a keen runner, having recently competed in the Wellington Harbour City Half-Marathon.

Iona Mylek recently completed a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours at the University of Otago. She graduated at the top of her Political Studies Honours class. At Oxford, she intends to study for a Masters in Global Governance and Diplomacy followed by a Doctor of Philosophy degree. She is particularly interested in investigating how non-governmental organisations influence efforts to eradicate global poverty at a political level, both in terms of mobilising civil society and influencing the actors and institutions of Global Governance.

Iona has been involved in voluntary work both in New Zealand and overseas. She has been an active worker and organiser for Trade Aid and World Vision and a member and presenter for the Global Poverty Project. Between her third and fourth years of study, Iona travelled to Kenya as a volunteer primary school teacher. She was a competitive gymnast during her school days and she is a keen runner, swimmer, cyclist and snowboarder.

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