Scholarships are a powerful way to invest in charitable giving, providing a direct opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Thinking about setting up a scholarship? We can help you in creating criteria for your scholarship and ensure it reaches the right applicants for maximum impact.
The Bashford-Nicholls Trust scholarships originate from two trusts established by South Taranaki farmers, Claude William Nicholls and James Dawson Bashford. Through their farm assets, both men created legacies to support future generations.
For the past two decades, the Bishop’s Action Foundation has managed the trust, expanding scholarship programmes and creating innovative awards to support emerging talent and research. Today, the Bashford-Nicholls Trust Scholarships support tertiary and postgraduate study and research in agriculture and veterinary science.
In late 2025, the Trust’s funds were transferred to Taranaki Foundation to be invested and managed locally. Scholarships and awards continue to be managed through the Bishop’s Action Foundation.
In June 2021, the Rudi Milesi Estate was transferred to the Taranaki Foundation. Rudi grew up on his father’s farm in Mangatoki and spent his career in the accounts department at the Patea Freezing Works. His passions included gardening, golf and local amateur dramatics, where he excelled as both an actor and director. He served as President of the Hawera Repertory Society and was a Life Member until his passing in October 2020.
The Rudi Milesi Fund honours his dedication to amateur theatre in South Taranaki by offering scholarships in dramatic theatre and veterinary science.
In 2015, the Winifred Knight Trust became the first Named Fund transferred to the Taranaki Foundation. Winifred born in India in 1896, moved to New Zealand in 1902. She graduated with an MA in history from Victoria University College and taught at Stratford Technical High School for 25 years. Known for her community involvement, she received a Queen’s Service Medal in 1979 and passed away in 1991.
This fund supports educational, community, cultural, and recreational needs in Taranaki and also awards the Ohangai School Centennial Teaching Scholarship each year.
Applications:
In September 2021, the Cliff Perrett Memorial Trust was transferred to the Taranaki Foundation for management. Cliff Arnold Perrett, born in 1931 and was a dedicated sportsman who represented Taranaki in cricket and hockey. He also had a profound passion for breeding and exhibiting birds and poultry.
The Cliff Perrett Memorial Trust Fund supports educational initiatives, including nursing scholarships aimed at assisting two students annually.
Applications:
The Fergusson Fund was set up in memory of Glen Fergusson, a lifelong Taranaki resident and Chief Photographer at Taranaki Newspapers. The fund supports deserving Taranaki students studying, or about to commence study in journalism, communications or photography.
Applications:
The John Wood Memorial Scholarship Fund was set up in memory of John Wood, a NPBHS student in the 1950s and a boarder in Pridham House. When he graduated, he was the only boy to have his name on five of the school’s honour boards in one year – Dux, Head Boy, Taranaki Scholarship, 1st XV Captain and 1st XI Captain.
Established after his passing in 2021, the annual scholarship supports a student who is fully engaged in school life and who has shown excellence in academic, sporting or cultural areas but may not necessarily have had any acknowledgement of this.
Please note that there is no application process for this scholarship; recipients are selected by the school.
The Taranaki Foundation Outward Bound Scholarship supports a Year 12 student at New Plymouth Boys’ High School to attend an Outward Bound course. The programme challenges students physically, mentally and emotionally, helping them build confidence, resilience and leadership skills.
Established by the Bryce and Delwyn Barnett Fund, the annual scholarship provides this values-based leadership and personal development opportunity to a student who may not otherwise have access to such an experience.
The first scholarship will be awarded in 2026.
Please note that there is no external application process for this scholarship; recipients apply through and are interviewed and selected by New Plymouth Boys’ High School.
The Taranaki Geological Society Fund has been established to support Taranaki based students studying geological sciences. This fund serves as a vehicle to provide an annual scholarship through Taranaki Foundation and aims to benefit students based on academic merit and passion for geological sciences.
The first scholarship will be awarded in 2026.
" “Being chosen for the Rudi Milesi Scholarship is an absolute honour. It eases financial strain and allows me to dedicate myself entirely to my education. I’m excited about the positive impact this opportunity will have on my journey toward becoming a large animal Vet in South Taranaki.”"Tayla Steele - Scholarship Recipient
