Applications open to students in Taranaki seeking farming or agriculture career

Ann Sinclair Charitable Trust fund recipient Shanelle Soothill. Photo / Supplied

Applications are now open for a fund supporting students who want to pursue a career in farming or agriculture.

The Ann Sinclair Charitable Trust, administered by Presbyterian Support Central (PSC), provides funds to students wishing to study any form of farming, such as agriculture, horticulture, orcharding and animal husbandry.

In 2020 more than $162,000 in Ann Sinclair Charitable Trust grants were approved and distributed to 62 recipients.

Trust secretary Jackie Wierenga says support can be provided from the trust for tuition fees or study-related travel and accommodation expenses for students living or studying in the PSC area, including Wellington, Wairarapa, Horowhenua, Manawatū, Whanganui and Taranaki.

For Shanelle Soothill, who received a scholarship last year, it helped to decrease the stress she had around funding her way through her veterinary technology studies at Massey University.

"I was better able to focus on my studies and achieve the grades that I did. The scholarship allowed me to make a good dent in my student loan, which has brought me closer to my goal of purchasing a house within two years. The impact this has made on my life is priceless."

The grades achieved by Shanelle were certainly impressive, and her name is engraved on the university's Dux board for her course.

Originally from Hāwera, since completing her studies Shanelle has moved back to her home region of Taranaki and is now working as a vet nurse.

The Ann Sinclair Charitable Trust was started in 1957 by Ann Sinclair, who set up her South Wairarapa family farm as a training ground for future New Zealand farmers.

As well as supporting farming students, the trust also provides funds for people and organisations who want to establish or conduct Christian camps and supports non churched youth to attend Christian camps.

• The Ann Sinclair Charitable Trust is taking applications until October 31. Visit www.psc.org.nz/ann-sinclair-charitable-trust for more information or to apply.