Investing in People, Creating Legacy: Scholarships Through Taranaki Foundation
10 February 2026At Taranaki Foundation, we believe in the power of people and potential. Scholarships are one of the most tangible ways our community invests in the next generation. They support dreams, recognise achievement, and create a lasting legacy. At their heart, they are a way for our community to say, we see your potential, and we are investing in your future.
Made possible through the generosity of local donors, each scholarship opens doors that can genuinely change lives. As Theresa Cayley, Funding & Relationships Manager at Taranaki Foundation, explains, “Every scholarship has its own purpose, criteria and story, reflecting the values, passions and personal reasons of the people behind them. For many donors, establishing a scholarship is about more than financial support. It’s about giving back, honouring a life or career, and creating an opportunity that will endure”.
One such example is the Fergusson Fund Media Scholarship, established in memory of Glen Fergusson. Glen’s story is a powerful reminder of how personal legacy can shape future opportunity. After completing Year 12 at New Plymouth Boys’ High School, Glen began his career as an office junior before making his mark at the Taranaki Herald, where he worked for 10 years. He later returned to Taranaki Newspapers as Chief Photographer, a role he cherished until his retirement in 1997, describing it as ‘the best job in the world’.
Glen believed there were many deserving students who could benefit from a helping hand to further their education and life skills. With no children of his own, he was thoughtful about how he could give back to the community that had shaped his life. The simplicity and impact of Taranaki Foundation’s approach resonated with him, inspiring him to establish a fund that would continue supporting others long after his lifetime.
As we reflect on 2025, we celebrate the students whose hard work, ambition, and commitment have been recognised through scholarships like these. As we step into 2026, we are excited to continue this legacy and share new opportunities for our community to invest in the future.
Photo: The Fergusson Fund Media Scholarship was established by the late Taranaki Daily News photographer Glen Fergusson (second from left) to support students in journalism, photography, and communications.
Celebrating Our 2025 Scholars
- THE JOHN WOOD SCHOLARSHIP
Value: $5,000
Established in memory of John Wood, a NPBHS student in the 1950s, this scholarship supports a NPBHS student who has shown excellence in academic, sporting, or cultural areas and often without prior recognition.
2025 Recipient: Alfie Healion
Awarded at Senior Prize Giving, 30 October.
Alfie’s words: “In 2026, I am off to Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington to study a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Public Policy, and Te Reo Māori. The drive to work towards doing good for others is what led me to this path. Receiving this scholarship is incredibly humbling and inspires me to carry on John Wood’s legacy. I cannot thank the family enough for their generosity.”
Photos: Left, Alfie receiving his scholarship; right, Alfie with John Wood’s daughter, Laura Gow, and granddaughter, Kate.
- OHANGAI SCHOOL CENTENNIAL TEACHING SCHOLARSHIP
Value: $1,250
Established in 2006 to mark Ohangai School’s centennial, this scholarship supports senior students pursuing a teaching career, providing encouragement and opportunity to give back to their communities.
2025 Recipient: Charlotte Denton
Awarded at Te Paepae o Aotea school prizegiving, 29 October.
Charlotte’s words: “Thank you so much. This scholarship means so much to me. I’ll be studying primary teaching at the University of Waikato. It represents encouragement and opportunity, allowing me to start my teaching journey with confidence. My plan is to fulfil my childhood dream of being a teacher and make a difference in kids’ lives.”
Photo: Charlotte Denton
- RUDI MILESI FUND SCHOLARSHIP
Two awarded: 1 x Veterinary Science, 1 x Drama ($1,500 each)
Honours Rudi Milesi’s dedication to amateur theatre in South Taranaki by offering scholarships in dramatic theatre studies and veterinary science. These scholarships encourage students across a range of fields to pursue their passion and excellence.
2025 Recipients:
- Rhiannon Crowley (Veterinary Science).
- Orlando Davidson (Drama).
Rhiannon’s words: “I am incredibly grateful and honoured to be selected as the recipient of the Rudi Milesi Fund Scholarship for 2026. This award holds immense meaning for me, as it supports my long-held dream of beginning a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Massey University next year. Looking ahead, I am committed to completing my veterinary degree and building a career where I can make a meaningful difference in animal health and welfare. This scholarship not only helps make that future possible but also inspires me to work even harder toward becoming the best veterinarian I can be.”
Orlando’s words: “Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me as I did all my schooling in Pātea, where Rudi lived, and my family have been involved with the Hawera Repertory Society, where Rudi was a life member, for many years. After graduation, I plan to work in the music industry, supporting Aotearoa’s performers as well as creating my own stage act. I love performance of all shapes and sizes and can’t wait to begin my studies in Wellington next year with the support of the Taranaki Foundation.”
Photo: Rhiannon Crowley
- FERGUSSON FUND MEDIA SCHOLARSHIP
Two awarded: $10,000 scholarship (includes work placement with Taranaki Daily News) + $5,000 scholarship for another outstanding applicant
Awarded in partnership with the Taranaki Daily News, this scholarship supports students pursuing media studies and storytelling.
2025 Recipients:
- Makayla Wells ($10,000 + newsroom placement at Taranaki Daily News)
- Lee Guiry ($5,000)
Makayla’s words: “As a young person paying about $9000 in course fees this year, having that backing just means I can really invest my time wisely into my studies. I’m just looking forward to learning, watching how experienced journalists go about it and getting feedback so I can grow.”
Lee’s words: With a passion for typography, branding, photography, and marketing, Guiry hoped his studies would open doors to racetracks around the world. The funds would help towards the 18-year-old’s visual communication design studies at Massey University in Wellington this year. “I’d love to be a Formula 1 photographer”.
Photos: Left, Lee Guiry; right, Makayla Wells.
- THE CLIFF PERRETT MEMORIAL TRUST FUND SCHOLARSHIP
Two awarded: $3,000 each
These annual scholarships support nursing students at WITT Te Pūkenga with course fees, with preference given to one student from each end of the region. They aim to ease the financial pressures of nursing study, particularly during long, unpaid placements.
2025 Recipients:
- Katie Bestall – South Taranaki
- Toni Bernet – North Taranaki
Katie’s words: “There can be limited access to healthcare in rural areas, so I’m passionate about being part of a team that helps close that gap.”
Toni’s words: “I hope to learn as much as I can and be in a position to have a positive impact on people’s lives and with their healthcare journey.”
Photos: Left, Katie Bestall; right, Toni Bernet.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Our scholarship programme will continue to grow, creating opportunities for more students to pursue their dreams. Local donors, families, and communities who support scholarships are leaving a lasting legacy – one that inspires achievement, fosters talent, and shapes the future of Taranaki.
Annual Scholarship Celebration (December 2026):
An opportunity to celebrate all scholarships supported through Taranaki Foundation, recognise the generosity of donors, and honour the achievements of scholarship recipients. More information will be shared on this event later this year.
New Scholarships for 2026:
1. BARNETT FAMILY OUTWARD BOUND SCHOLARSHIP
Covers course costs for one student.
Established by the Bryce and Delwyn Barnett Fund, this annual scholarship provides a values-based leadership and personal development opportunity for a student who may not otherwise have access.
2. TARANAKI GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP
Value: $3,000 awarded to one individual
This annual scholarship benefits students who show strong academic potential and demonstrate a passion for geology and earth sciences.
Continuing the Legacy
We proudly support our current scholarships and enjoy celebrating each student’s success throughout the year. At the same time, we welcome new scholarship ideas from anyone wanting to make a meaningful, lasting contribution to our community.
In closing, scholarships are not just for financial support, they are a gift of confidence, of opportunity, and belief in action. As we mentioned earlier, they are our community’s way of saying ‘we see your potential, and we are investing in your future’.
