Over 120 students compete in inaugural Otago Southland Clash of the Colleges
The senior and junior awards at the inaugural Otago Southland Clash of the Colleges were claimed by the students of Otago Boys’ High School and Blue Mountain College.
Applications are now open for the Agri Futures Scholarships, helping young Kiwis from rural backgrounds kickstart careers in agriculture and rural sports.
This year, up to 14 scholarships will be awarded, up from nine last year, to support secondary school leavers who've competed in Clash of the Colleges events and are pursuing further education or cadetships and rural sports athletes under 20 who are studying or training.
"We're all about inspiring and supporting the next generation in agriculture and rural sports," says Agri Futures general manager Daniel O'Regan.
Most are open nationwide, but two are reserved for Manawatu/Palmerston North students, recognising their support for the NZ Rural Games.
One is dedicated to South Otago, thanks to the Balclutha-based company, Danone.
Funding comes from a Ford NZ Rural Sports Awards that features signed memorabilia from stars like Dylan Schmidt (Olympics), Erica Dawson (Sailing), Sir Wayne Smith (Black Ferns), and Tim Southee (Black Caps) and from Agri Futures and partners, including Danone and the NZ Rural Games Trust (supporting Otago University sport science student scholarship).
Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 29th August 2025. Successful applicants will be notified on Tuesday, September 30th.
Rural Sports athlete applicants are welcome from any New Zealand rural sport, including, as an example, harness racing, wood chopping, shearing, rural fencing, tree climbing, highland games, sheep dog trials, gumboot throwing, ploughing, equestrian, motocross, shooting and thoroughbred racing.
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