Students In The Park

About the scholarship

Northland Regional Council’s Tū i te ora Scholarship recognises and supports students to undertake study, research or training that relates to council’s environmental and regulatory functions – providing a springboard for future environmental leaders and champions, whilst contributing to council’s vision ‘Our Northland – together we thrive’. This year, we are excited to further support recipients by providing paid work experience opportunities at council.

The scholarship aims to:

  • Build Māori capacity within Te Taitokerau and assist students to pursue further education
  • Encourage greater uptake of tertiary education aimed at protecting the environment
  • Develop connections between tertiary students and council
  • Provide support to students experiencing financial hardship and difficulties
  • Encourage mātauranga Māori research and education. 

To be notified when applications open for 2023, please email [email protected]

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Eligibility criteria

The scholarship is available to students who:

  • Are a NZ citizen or permanent resident
  • Reside in, have family that reside in or have whakapapa (a genealogical connection) to Te Taitokerau
  • Are studying at an undergraduate or higher qualification level
  • Are enrolled (or intend to enrol) in a recognised tertiary course of study that relates to council’s environmental and regulatory functions.  Applicants must be enrolled (or intend to enrol) for semester one of 2023.

Council’s environmental and regulatory functions include these areas:

  • Environmental science and data analysis
  • Flood and natural hazard engineering and  management
  • Biosecurity
  • Biodiversity
  • Water management
  • Climate change
  • Environmental planning and policy
  • Geographic information system (GIS)
  • Land management.

How to apply

In your application, you need to supply the following documentation:
  • A CV – maximum of two pages.

  • A Personal Statement that tells us:
    • About you (including your whakapapa or connection to Te Taitokerau)
    • Why you are applying for the Tū i te ora Scholarship
    • What you are studying (or intending to study) and at which tertiary institute
    • How your study relates to council’s environmental and regulatory functions
    • What it would mean to you to receive this financial support and work experience opportunity
    • About your current or past involvement in community and/or environmental activities.

  • Proof of enrolment (or intention to enrol) in tertiary study for semester one of 2023, such as a transcript, invoice or letter of confirmation.

  • Two references (one academic and one character).

Terms and conditions must be agreed to when applying.

Hands Holding Plant (2) 3

Selection criteria

When assessing applications, the panel may take into consideration any/all of the following:

  • Academic merit
  • Whakapapa to Te Taitokerau
  • Community involvement
  • Financial need
  • Relevance of studies (to council’s environmental and regulatory functions).
Please note: Three scholarship packages are dedicated to Māori (who whakapapa to Te Taitokerau).

FAQs

- What if I can’t commit to work experience from mid-November 2023 to mid-February 2024?

Our preference is for scholarship recipients to have the opportunity to gain work experience at council. However, we understand that there may be reasons why you can’t commit to this element of the programme. If that’s the case, please indicate this in your application. If your application stands out, you may still be shortlisted or selected as a recipient to receive the monetary component of the scholarship).

- Do the paid summer work experience opportunities include accommodation arrangements?

No, recipients will need to arrange accommodation.

- Where will the paid summer work experience opportunities be based?

The summer work experience opportunities will most likely be based at Northland Regional Council’s Whangārei office.

Meet our previous recipients

Tayla Bamber

Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts conjoint, majoring in Ecology, Biodiversity and Political Science

Josh Otene

Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) – Marine

Aya Morris

Master of Sustainable Development Goals

Maria Secker

New Zealand Diploma in Environmental Management (Level 6)

Shavonne Toko

New Zealand Diploma in Environmental Management (Level 6)

Taiawhio Wati

Master of Resource and Environmental Planning.

Fern Donovan

Master of Science

Rosa Harper

Master of Science in Society (Science Communication)