Wednesday, 13 March 2019 15:48

Young farmer gets $1500 study scholarship

Written by 
Hannah Nichols. Hannah Nichols.

Financially-savvy students are applying for a raft of agri-food scholarships to help cut the cost of university study.

Hannah Nichols, 18, is from a 230 cow dairy farm in Dargaville in Northland.

She’s just started studying a one-year Diploma in Agriculture at Lincoln University in Canterbury.

“The Government fees-free policy means I don’t have to pay any university fees,” said the Lincoln Young Farmers member.

“But my accommodation costs are almost $14,000. That’s a lot of money.”

Hannah was urged to consider the long list of scholarships on offer for students studying agricultural courses.

“There are more than 250 scholarships available which are designed to help entice students into the agri-food sector,” said Mary Holmes from NZ Young Farmers.

“The value of those scholarships exceeds $3 million.”

“It’s a shame when I hear some of the scholarships go unused because students don’t know they exist,” she said.

Each year the World Congress Charitable Trust awards two $1500 scholarships to NZ Young Farmers members.

“I applied when I saw it advertised on social media. I was blown away when I found out my application was successful,” she said.

“I couldn’t believe it. I thought it was a long shot that I would get it.”

Hannah will use the money to help cover some of her accommodation costs.

Fellow NZ Young Farmers member Brenna Coleman, 23, encourages students to apply for scholarships.

“There are loads available, especially for agriculture. Many close in August, so be prepared and get your application in early,” she said.

“Apply even if you don’t fit the scholarship criteria because if you’re the only applicant you could still be successful.”

Hannah Nichols credits her involvement with TeenAg for giving her the skills to apply.

“TeenAg helped me grow my leadership skills and gave me the confidence to think outside the box,” said she.

Hannah chaired the TeenAg club at Dargaville High School for three years and competed in last year’s TeenAg Grand Final in Invercargill.

“It was an amazing experience. It’s great to now be studying with some of the other TeenAg members I competed against,” she said.

TeenAg clubs are run by NZ Young Farmers and funded by the Red Meat Profit Partnership (RMPP).

Hannah has joined Lincoln Young Farmers and would like to work as a technical field advisor when she completes her studies.

Emma Subtil, 21, who’s studying a Masters in Agribusiness at Lincoln University, also received a $1500 scholarship.

Details on other agri-food related scholarships can be found at http://www.growingnz.org.nz/scholarships.php

More like this

Point of View

Dr Amber Parker was guest speaker at the 2024 Southern Pinot Noir Workshop in Hanmer, sharing insights on potential impacts of climate change on viticulture, along with adaptation opportunities, particularly with regard to Pinot Noir. Amber, who is Lincoln University's Director of the Centre for Viticulture and Oenology, shares some of her learnings.

Featured

Horticulture exports hit $8.4B, surge toward $10B by 2029

A brilliant result and great news for growers and regional economies. That's how horticulture sector leaders are describing the news that sector exports for the year ended June 30 will reach $8.4 billion - an increase of 19% on last year and is forecast to hit close to $10 billion in 2029.

National

Machinery & Products

Calf feeding boost

Advantage Plastics says it is revolutionising calf meal storage and handling, making farm life easier, safer, and more efficient this…

JD's precision essentials

Farmers across New Zealand are renowned for their productivity and efficiency, always wanting to do more with less, while getting…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Be afraid

OPINION: Your old mate hears some of the recent uptick in farmer confidence has slipped since the political polls started…

Trust us!

OPINION: Ther'es a reason politicians rank even lower than John Campbell in the most trusted profession surveys.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter