Paige McKenna-Harris

Introduced to Zuru co-founder Nick Mowbray as part of her Strategic Management paper, Paige was offered a marketing support role at the company. Over the next four years, she was rose up the ranks, from a part-time marketing support role to, now, the General Manager of Household Care and Wellness at ZURU Edge.

Paige, 25, returned to her studies in 2022 and was selected as student speaker for her graduation ceremony in December at the Globox Arena, where she received her BMS(Hons) degree with First Class Honours, majoring in Finance and Agribusiness.

“While it’s our courage and resilience that allows us to pick ourselves up and forge toward our own goals and aspirations, it is kindness and compassion that allows us to pick up those around us,” Paige told students.

“You are here celebrating so many things; your resilience, determination, the closing of an incredible chapter.”

Paige chose to study at Waikato’s Management School because of its high rankings and reputation. WMS is in the top one percent of business schools globally with a prestigious Triple Crown Accreditation and, in 2022, it was named number one in New Zealand for Business and Economics in the Times Higher Education rankings.

“The investment many teaching staff made into my personal journey at Waikato meant I left with amazing learnings, experiences and friends,” says Paige.

Her favourite paper, Applied Strategy, lectured by Dr Stephen Bowden, drove Paige’s understanding of strategic management to a new level and taught her the importance of effective communication.

“I loved the practical nature of the paper, working on case studies, as well as being a part of some great teams with people who are now my closest friends.”

Paige was involved with the life of the university as an academic tutor for Strategic Management, participated in national and international case competitions, and was a member of the Waikato Management School Students’ Association (WMSSA).

“University gives the perfect environment to test, try and learn about so many facets of your area of study. And in doing so, you’ll meet some incredible people along the way.”