Third year University of Otago student from Utiku awarded $6000 scholarship

Bridget Watson of Utiku, in the final year of a physiotherapy degree, explains the complexities of the backbone to Freemasons deputy grand master Graham Wrigley. Photo / Supplied

A physiotherapy student in her final year of study at the University of Otago has received a $6000 Freemasons university scholarship.

Bridget Watson, from Utiku, Taihape was one of 19 university students awarded a scholarship at a ceremony in Parliament's legislative council chamber.

Watson was the only physiotherapy student, joined by others in psychology, marketing and business, environmental management and one each in engineering, ophthalmology, law and architecture.

Currently training to be a yoga teacher, Watson hopes to set up community yoga and physical activity classes throughout Christchurch.

While in Dunedin she worked as a sports medic for a local rugby team which significantly increased her understanding of musculoskeletal issues.

Eventually, Watson wants to open a musculoskeletal clinic that incorporates yoga, which is an emerging facilitator to rehabilitation.

Freemasons have awarded nearly $5.2 million in scholarships throughout New Zealand for more than 40 years.

Freesmasons grand master Mark Winger said the Freemasons scholarship programme is the largest privately funded programme in the country.

"It is an example of the positive impact Freemasonry can make in the community and on the world stage, as we see from the career updates scholars send from time to time.

"Whether our scholars stay in New Zealand or continue their studies and careers overseas, they are all contributing to the health, welfare, knowledge and improvement of life for future generations."