Someday in the not-too-distant future, Keystone Trust Kiwi Property Scholar, Bhavik Paragji envisions himself driving around town and pulling up alongside a new property development.

“I want to be able to turn to my family and say: ‘I developed that one’,” says Bhavik. “I want to leave my mark on a big project in a sustainable way.” He’s certainly on the right path.

Bhavik Paragji’s Journey to Property Leadership.

That’s a long way from his days at John Paul College in Rotorua, where he was a shy kid who sat in the corner, listening and watching others. As the only child of Fiji-Indian parents, Bhavik quietly absorbed the world around him.

Now, outside of work and university, people are watching him. When he’s not playing football for Auckland’s Central United club, Bhavik performs in the Bollywood dance group Shakti, captivating crowds in the thousands. Joining the group gave him the strength and confidence to break out of his comfort zone—an essential step for his career.

Keystone Trust Scholarship and Career Development.

Fellow Keystone Trust scholar Rayden Nguyen introduced Bhavik to the Trust. Rayden had earlier received the Keystone Trust Pink Beluga School Leaver Property Scholarship. “My father’s business, our family’s sole source of income, took a major hit during the Covid pandemic. That inspired me to apply,” explains Bhavik. He still remembers the moment he got the call confirming his success. “It lifted a huge financial burden off my family. My parents are so proud.”

Bhavik quickly discovered that the Trust provides much more than financial aid.

Site visits, meeting others within the trust – including trustees, mentors, other students and alumni – building connections, attending industry events. It’s such a welcoming trust – it’s like being part of a family.

As the Keystone Trust Kiwi Property Scholar of 2024, he’s now in the third year of a four-year Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Laws conjoint degree at the University of Auckland.

He also landed a part-time job as a leasing assistant at Kiwi Property’s Auckland city headquarters—an ideal complement to his academic studies, where he continues to excel. His decision to pursue a property career came from his desire to grow personally while contributing to the community. As he gains experience, Bhavik is already spotting industry trends. “Remote work has pros and cons. Young professionals like me benefit hugely from being in the office, soaking up knowledge from experienced colleagues,” he says. “I’m also seeing a major shift toward sustainability. Today’s consumers want a cleaner environment, and the industry needs to deliver that.”

A Bright Future Shaped by Talent and Opportunity.

Bhavik’s bright future grew out of early setbacks. He had hoped to become head boy at John Paul College, but another student earned the title. “It was my final year and I wanted to leave a legacy,” he says. Instead, he served as a prefect and cultural captain—and now looks back with pride at having even been considered.

These days, he’s aiming to leave a legacy with more permanence. The Bhavik Paragji Precinct, perhaps?

Bhavik’s story shows what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. Thanks to the support of organisations like Vincent Capital—a major backer of Keystone Trust—students from diverse backgrounds are stepping into meaningful careers in the property sector. This kind of support doesn’t just change individual lives; it helps shape a more inclusive, sustainable future for the entire industry.