increase font size
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
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.
How much shade and shelter do our sheep need in an era of more extreme weather and the lack of natural shelter on farms?
A group of volunteers from Lincoln University known as the 'Handy Landies' is among those descending on Otago to help farmers get their properties back to normal.
Harnessing microbial communities to mitigate grapevine trunk disease is an “exciting prospect” for New Zealand’s wine industry, says Dr Hayley Ridgway.
Lincoln University says a more food-secure system would give Kiwis greater access to food while meeting export targets.
ACT Party conservation spokesperson Cameron Luxton is calling for legislation that would ensure hunters and fishers have representation on the Conservation Authority.
The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) says it will investigate claims of animal cruelty made by animal rights group PETA.
Hauraki Coromandel farmer Keith Trembath was recently awarded the title of Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in recognition of his contributions to public service, agriculture, and education.
Horticulture New Zealand says the recent discovery of a male Oriental fruit fly in Auckland is concerning for New Zealand growers.
Danielle Hovmand has been announced as the 2024 recipient of the New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) Contiki Local Legend Award.
Over 1,000 Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers in the Hawke’s Bay have now been immunised against measles.
OPINION: Before we all let The Green Party have at it with their 'bold' emissions reduction plan, the Hound thought…
OPINION: The Feds' latest banking survey shows that bankers are even less popular with farmers than they used to be,…
