Oxford-bound engineer striving for a sustainable future

Being busy is in Jannik’s nature. An aptitude for physics and problem solving and a desire to build a career that improves lives led him to enrol in a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) specialising in mechatronics at the University of Auckland in 2020.

There, he joined the Mechanical & Mechatronic Students Association and took part in the Auckland Programme for Space Systems, all while continuing a ten year stint volunteering for the New Zealand Cadet Forces – where he is currently a commissioned officer – and spending every spare moment tramping in the Aotearoa wilderness.

In 2023, he was awarded a Kupe Leadership Scholarship, joining a cohort of students selected for their academic excellence and leadership potential. It was an amazing opportunity which pulled him out of the “engineering silo” and exposed him to different perspectives, he says.

Jannik was mentored by serial entrepreneur Greg Cross and his scholarship was funded by the late John Turnbull, a fellow engineering alumnus of the University who spent many years working for Fletcher Construction on major infrastructure projects. An active member of the alumni community throughout his life, John left a bequest of more than $5 million to the Faculty of Engineering, as well as a gift towards the acquisition of coastal properties in Auckland for public reserves. 

“It is wonderful to be sponsored by another engineer who had a similar path and interests to me,’ says Jannik. ‘John left an inspiring legacy and showed engineers can have a broader impact in society.”

Since graduating in 2024, Jannik has worked as a process development engineer at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare – a job he loves but is about to leave behind. In 2026, he is bound for England on a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship at the University of Oxford, where he will complete a Master of Science in Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment and a Master of Business Administration.

Learning he had won the scholarship was “exciting and surreal”, says Jannik.

“I plan to shift into sustainability with a policy management or leadership focus, where I can lead change at scale to drive organisationsand society to put people and planet first.” 

He is looking forward to experiencing a taste of British culture and plans to approach the years ahead as he has approached life so far: with an open mind.

“I like the concept of proactive serendipity. There are so many factors that play into where you end up. You have to get lucky, meet the right people and come across opportunities – that’s serendipity. But there’s also proactivity: setting yourself up to be in the best position to jump on those opportunities when they do come your way.”