Aoraki Community Education Trust Board scholarship applications open

Applications have opened for a tertiary scholarship encouraging students in agriculture, horticulture or other primary industry fields.

The Aoraki Community Education Trust Board’s Adair Farm Scholarship has given more than $50,000 to those studying in those fields, with the scholarship founded from a fund when the educational facility Adair Farm, operated by the then Aoraki Polytechnic, now Ara, was closed.

Most of the funds were gifted to the polytechnic’s training facility by South Canterbury farmers in the mid 1980s.

One of last year’s scholarship recipients, Makayla Symes, said her $3000 grant had given her the “amazing opportunity to go on a journey to achieve a goal of mine during my study of Agriculture Innovation and Accounting (Otago Uni)’’.

“During my time so far I have gained more knowledge and experience which I am incredibly grateful for,’’ she said.

“This scholarship has not only given me financial support but a sense of encouragement and motivation to work even harder.’’

Fellow 2022 recipient Tim Sheed said the scholarship had been “a tremendous help’’ in alleviating some of the financial burden associated with tertiary study.

“It has allowed me to spend more time focused on my tertiary obligations and ensures I am able to make the most of my time at Lincoln University.”

Applications would close on September 23, with interviews to be done in October.

Adair Farm subcommittee chair Innes McMillan said she hoped as many of those eligible would apply for the $5000 available to encourage tertiary study in agriculture, horticulture or other primary industry fields.