Five awarded scholarships for land-related tertiary studies

The five winners of Walter William McLean Scholarships were presented with their scholarships at a ceremony at the Gisborne District Council this week. They are front, from left, Joe Kemp, Bradley Anderson, Riva-Lee Habib, Pippa Rhodes and Samara McLeod. Presenting the scholarships were back, from left, Toni Alexander (Public Trust), Mayor Rehette Stoltz and Melanie Walker (Nolans). Picture by Liam Clayton

Five local students were awarded scholarships from the Walter William McLean Educational Trust this week.

The scholarships are worth $5000 and are to help students with their studies in 2024.

Glenys Talivai, CEO of the Public Trust, which manages and administers the Mclean trust, said she was thrilled to be able to support the young Gisborne students with their future educational goals.

“Those five students stood out in terms of passion for their chosen areas,” she said.

The scholarships are funded from the estate of Walter William McLean, with Gowerville Station as the main asset.  Gowerville Station is a 369-hectare sheep and cattle property, on the outskirts of the city centre, which was owned by Mr McLean.

Schools within the Gisborne district nominated applicants planning to study agriculture, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture, veterinary science, food technology or similar.

This year’s winners are —

■ Bradley Anderson (Campion College) who will be studying for L3 & L4 Certificates in Agriculture at Smedley Station and Cadet Training Farm.

■ Pippa Rhodes (Campion College) who will be studying for a Bachelor of Agricultural Science.

■ Joe Kemp (Gisborne Boys’ High School), studying for a Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture.

■ Samara McLeod (Gisborne Girls’ High School), studying veterinary science.

■ Riva-Lee Habib (Tolaga Bay Area School)studying for a Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing .

Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz and Melanie Walker from Nolans reviewed the applications for selection, along with the Public Trust.

For Riva-Lee, it was a last-minute application with her Tolaga Bay Area School teacher Cynthia Sidney racing around filling in the paperwork on the last day of submission.   Riva-Lee said she was very grateful and thankful for the support.  Working as a vet nurse has been a dream since she was a child —  “to care for animals”. Her three-year Bachelor course will be undertaken at Te Pukenga EIT, Hawke’s Bay.

Samara McLeod said she had always had an unwavering passion for animals and science. “As a pet owner myself I know the important  role animals play in our lives”.  Samara is “extremely appreciative” of the scholarship, recognising the daunting costs of living away from home. This funding would allow her to focus more on her studies, she said. She wants to be able to give back to her community and be a role model for other young women wanting to achieve their own goals.

The Walter William McLean Educational Trust Scholarship is one of over 400 charitable trusts (including a number of scholarships) managed by the Public Trust.  These trusts and scholarships include interests as diverse as arts, science, medicine, disability and agricultural.  Collectively, the trusts and scholarships provide the means for many people to live better lives, enhance their skills and talents, or enjoy better community facilities.

The Public Trust marks its 150-year anniversary this year. It is a Crown entity employing over 400 people across a network of offices and customer centres nationally.

“Charitable trusts help people continue their legacy long after they’ve gone.  It can be a wonderful and meaningful way to give back to the community that meant so much to you,” Ms Talivai said.