Ben Hamilton

The Christchurch native’s decision to enrol at Lincoln University was natural. Completing a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management followed by a Master of Business in Global Management and Marketing from Lincoln University, he was set up to succeed in the philanthropic sports sector. 

“I grew up with a passion for sport and knew I wanted to combine this passion with a tangible asset that would enable me to work in the sports field,” he says. “However, through my undergraduate study, I unearthed my passion for business, therefore it was a no-brainer for me to level up my business acumen through postgraduate study offered at Lincoln.”

During his tenure at Lincoln, Ben benefited from practical experiences such as his internship in his final undergraduate year. 

"Nothing can prepare you better for life in the workforce than experiencing just that. It gave me those intangible lessons you can’t get from the comfort of the university library.”

Upon completing his undergraduate degree, Ben found his way working across the ditch in Sydney, before returning to his home turf to start up the charity ‘Tamai Sports’. 

Returning to Lincoln to pursue his Master’s degree proved extremely beneficial not just to his personal growth but the growth of the business. 

"Tamai Sports focuses on removing barriers for the East Christchurch community to get involved in sport and strengthen their wellbeing.” He says, “We’ve grown one big community here. Starting with 19 kids in the first year, we’re now working with over 650.”

Today, as he continues to spearhead the organisation's initiatives, Ben remains deeply connected to the friends and mentors he encountered during his university days.

"Lincoln was an awesome experience for me," Ben reflects. "As someone sport-minded, Lincoln's culture fit with me perfectly and provided an opportunity to both study and socialise with like-minded people."

Behind the curtain of his entrepreneurship endeavours, Ben is your classic Kiwi, enjoying life's simple pleasures, whether it's fish and chips with mates or stealing away to Cromwell with his fiancée.

With his feet firmly planted in the world of sports and business, Ben carries the spirit of innovation, connection and leadership that align closely with the Lincoln experience.