Taranaki Foundation is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the Cliff Perrett Memorial Fund Scholarship: Katie Bestall from South Taranaki and Toni Bernet from North Taranaki.

These annual scholarships, valued at $3,000 each, support nursing students at WITT Te Pūkenga with course fees. With preference given to one student from each end of the region, the scholarships aim to ease the financial pressures of nursing study – particularly during long, unpaid placements.

This year saw an impressive 26 applicants, each demonstrating passion and commitment to the healthcare sector. The selection process was exceptionally difficult due to the high calibre of applicants.

“We know many students face financial challenges while studying nursing, especially with the long, unpaid hours required during placements. We hope this support helps our recipients focus on their studies and pursue their dreams in the health sector,” shared Theresa Cayley from the Taranaki Foundation Distribution Committee.

“Year on year, what strikes us most is the passion these future nurses bring to their studies and their shared desire to make a real difference in their communities. It’s incredibly inspiring.”

Meet the 2025 Recipients

Katie Bestall – South Taranaki
Now in her third year of study, Katie balances full-time nursing studies with weekend work at Woolworths to help cover travel and living costs in Hāwera. With extensive local placement experience – across aged care, emergency, and medical centres, Katie is deeply committed to serving her community. A standout athlete, she also plays for the Southern Rugby Premier Women’s team and competes nationally in long and triple jump. Katie hopes to stay in South Taranaki as a registered nurse, helping close healthcare access gaps in rural areas.

Toni Bernet – North Taranaki
Toni is a first-year student with a strong background in healthcare, having worked as a hospital pharmacy technician since age 18. Now balancing full-time study with raising two young children, Toni says the scholarship provides critical financial relief and helps her better manage the demands of study, work, and family. Inspired by the nurses she’s worked alongside; she is passionate about developing her skills to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and their whānau.

Taranaki Foundation is humbled to continue managing the Cliff Perrett Memorial Fund, which has supported local students through scholarships since 2006.

Read more about the Cliff Perrett Memorial Trust Fund here 

Further information about Taranaki Foundation Scholarships can be found here