Benjamin Pilmore-Evans

Benjamin Pilmore-Evans is someone who refuses to be defined by limits. He fast-tracked his conjoint degree in Law and Arts and is eager to enrol at the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine on the Hamilton campus. His ambition is to contribute to legislative health reform – a direction shaped by a significant health episode in his third year of study.

“Since then, my health – both mental and physical – has become a major focus for me. I recognise how much health impacts all aspects of life, including the ability to work and perform successfully,” Ben says. “I have long term aspirations to undertake postgraduate study and give back to my community.”

Originally from Matamata, Ben is working at one of the country’s leading law firms in Tauranga. He credits much of his success at Waikato to Professor Alexander Gillespie, his first ever law lecturer who encouraged and inspired his whole cohort from the beginning. Also, Professor Lynda Johnston, Dr Colin McLeay and Senior Tutor Sue Wardill, who provided strong support during his period of poor health to ensure the completion of his studies.

Ben’s decision to enrol at Waikato was made in half a day, following a conversation by a Future Students advisor. “I’ve not looked back since and wouldn’t have done this degree anywhere else. My overall university experience was extremely positive. During a period of my diagnosis and the uncertainty that came with that, to continue studying, I received significant support – I strongly praise the University’s Accessibility team,” he says. “I was surrounded by great people, built strong networks and friendships and received meaningful support. Despite the challenges I faced along the way, I’d choose to repeat my university experience the exact same way.”

Ben encourages students to take up opportunities and try new things they may not have initially considered. “Degree timeframes exist for a reason – take time to enjoy the experience. University is a platform to figure out who you are and where you want to go, make the most out of that opportunity.”

Ben was a recipient of Te Paewai o te Rangi: The University of Waikato Scholarship for Outstanding Academic Achievement. He umpired hockey in his final years at Waikato University and was a finalist for Hockey New Zealand Most Outstanding Young Person of the Year and Waikato Hockey’s Most Outstanding Junior Male Umpire. He was also Head Student at Matamata College, served as a student representative on the school’s Board of Trustees, and received the KiwiSport Community Leadership Award.