Scholarships

Some of our donors have established scholarships through the Taranaki Foundation. Below are the details on current scholarships and awards, each with specific criteria, application requirements and deadlines.

Scholarships are a powerful way to invest in charitable giving, providing a direct opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Interested in setting up a fund with us? Please get in touch—we can help you in creating criteria for your scholarship and ensure it reaches the right applicants for maximum impact.

Get in touch

The Rudi Milesi Fund Scholarship

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.

Scholarship Details:

1 x Veterinary Science scholarship for the education and development of young people from South Taranaki.
1 x Drama scholarship for the education and development of young people from South Taranaki.
These scholarships are awarded annually as part of the Taranaki Foundation’s Annual Funding Round, which takes place every September.
Each scholarship provides $1,250 annually to support recipients at the commencement of their studies.

Applications for 2024 will open on 1 September.

Ohangai Centennial Teaching Scholarship

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 each year, it also awards the Ohangai School Centennial Teaching Scholarship.

Scholarship Details:

1 x Teaching Scholarship awarded annually to a Te Paepae o Aotea school graduate.
$1,250 paid on upon proof of enrollment in their first year of teacher training.
Applications are through Te Paepae o Aotea school, with a deadline by the end of September annually.
Contact: Sue.Johnston@tepaepaeoaotea.school.nz

Cliff Perrett Memorial Trust Scholarship

In September 2021, the Cliff Perrett Memorial Trust was transferred to the Taranaki Foundation for management.

Cliff Arnold Perrett, born in 1931 to Sidney George and Merial Maude Perrett, 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.

Scholarship Details:

2 x nursing scholarships awarded annually to WITT students.
Preference is given to one student from North Taranaki and another from South Taranaki.
These scholarships, valued at $3,000 each, are intended to cover course fees and are awarded upon proof of enrollment.
Applications must be submitted by April 30 each year through WITT (Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki).
For more information, please contact: scholarships@witt.ac.nz

The Fergusson Fund Media Scholarship

The Fergusson Fund was set up in memory of Glen Fergusson who passed away in November 2022 at the age of 85. A lifelong resident of Taranaki, Glen’s legacy lives on through this fund, established to encourage and support deserving students in Taranaki undertaking or about to commence study in journalism, photography or communications in partnership with The Taranaki Daily News.

Glen worked at Taranaki Newspapers as Chief Photographer for many years and described it as the “best job in the world.” Glen believed there are a lot of deserving students who could do with a helping hand.

Scholarship Details:

One scholarship will be awarded annually.
The value of this scholarship is $10,000, with 50% of the grant to be paid on commencement of studies and the remaining 50% at successful year end.
As part of this scholarship the successful applicant will complete up to three weeks work placement with the Taranaki Daily News throughout the year, providing invaluable real-world experience and mentorship.
Applications open 1 September and close 31 October each year. Grants are awarded at the start of the following academic year.
You can find more information here.

The Fergusson Fund Application Form

John Wood Scholarship

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 in his memory following his passing in 2021, the annual scholarship aims to support a graduating student who has actively participated in school life.

Scholarship Details:

One scholarship is awarded annually at the senior prizegiving.
The value of this scholarship is $5,000, disbursed in two installments over two years.
The recipient is selected by New Plymouth Boys’ High School and is not contestable.

Please note that there is no application process for this scholarship; recipients are selected by the school.

" “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