Former Katikati College student Toby Hendy is the winner of the Aurora Astronomy Scholarship.

Associate Professor Michael Reid, Acting Head of Department for Physics and Astronomy, with Toby Hendy. Phoito supplied.

Toby says the most enticing feature of the scholarship is the ability to travel to observatories around the world.

"I have already spent a week at the Mt. John observatory in (Lake) Tekapo during the university Easter break.

'I got to experience what it was like to be a researcher using the telescope facilities. I am very excited to travel to an international observatory at the end of the year."

Toby is studying a Bachelor of Science in astrophysics at the University of Canterbury.

"I chose to study at the University of Canterbury because of its great reputation in the physical sciences. UC offers an undergraduate major in astrophysics, which is not commonly offered.

'Also I liked the setup and flexibility of the Bachelor of Science degree."

Although study comes first, Toby is enjoying getting involved in other areas of university life as a creativity platoon member of the student volunteer army along with painting murals for the Christchurch community.

'I found the volunteer army a great way to give back and to get to know Christchurch better," says Toby.