2019 Shirley Boys’ High School Head Boy, Liam Walker, has been featured in Leaving School Magazine Issue #33 — a publication designed to inspire Year 12 and 13 students as they explore study and career pathways.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE (page 29)
Since leaving Shirley, Liam has excelled at the University of Canterbury, completing a Bachelor of Forestry Science (Hons) with First Class Honours. He was recognised as the top graduating student with the prestigious Schlich Memorial Prize, awarded by the New Zealand School of Forestry.
Now based in Masterton, Liam works as a Forester with Forest Enterprises, where his role involves managing and overseeing over 20,000 hectares of plantation forest across the Wairarapa and Manawatū. His work combines both office and field time — coordinating planting, harvesting, earthworks, and contractor supervision — while enjoying the variety and people-focused side of the industry.
Liam says he values the balance between outdoor and practical work that forestry offers and encourages school leavers to explore this career pathway. With strong demand for graduates and great opportunities straight out of university, forestry is a thriving New Zealand industry with exciting futures ahead.
