As a result, they will represent New Zealand in March 2020 at the Asia Pacific Regional Finals in Seoul, South Korea.
Jonathan Manickam, Nicolas Adams, Caitlin Hendren, Jack Skerman and Nicholas Steyn had the winning presentation at the Chartered Financial AnalystInstitute’s Research Challenge in Auckland on October 11.
They competed against seven other teams from universities across the country after spending 11 weeks preparing a professional valuation report on New Zealand’s stock exchange-listed company, Z Energy.
Chris Wakefield coached the team with industry advice from Nick Webb, who is a credit trader with Westpac and UC alumnus.
The team had access to Z Energy’s investor relations team, could submit questions to Z Energy management and use the support, resources and advice from their assigned faculty and industry advisors.
Team captain Jonathan, a third-year Bachelor of Commerce student in finance and economics, hopes that the business school will increase its support of the competition given the team’s accomplishment this year.
The success of our team is due to the unique and diverse skillset that each member possessed.”
“We learnt so many new skills and techniques during this competition and have enjoyed the opportunities to question company staff and receive guidance. The choice of the company proved very topical, given the recent Saudi Arabia oil attacks that caused supply shocks and the Commerce Commission inquiry into the profitability of downstream fuel retailers” he said.
Said team coach and adviser Chris Wakefield: “The experience provides the students incredible exposure to potential future employers in the financial industry and we are looking forward to representing New Zealand in South Korea next year.”
This year the global competition has involved 6200 students and 4000 volunteers including coaches, advisers and judges from over 1100 universities, representing more than 90 countries.
