New scholarship for Taranaki students
Investing in the future of Taranaki students
We’re delighted to announce the Taranaki Geological Society (TGS), alongside local GSNZ members has voted to launch a tertiary scholarship aimed at supporting the next generation of geoscientists.
Using money accumulated over the last decade or more, which is surplus to club needs, the proposal was shared with the membership to put these excess funds to meaningful use by establishing an annual scholarship for Taranaki students pursuing tertiary education in the geosciences or related fields.
At the Club's October meeting, the attending members cast their votes - and the decision was clear. With near-unanimous support, the Society agreed to move forward with the scholarship scheme, committing to fund one student each year until the available funds are fully distributed, a process expected to continue for at least nine years.
To ensure the scholarship's longevity and impact, the funds will be entrusted to the Taranaki Foundation for investment. In addition, the Foundation will promote the scholarship not only to find eligible students but also donors who may bequeath or donate to the fund to allow it to be offered for longer. If donors can be found this will prolong the Club’s ability to offer the scholarship. It also promotes and raises the profile of the Taranaki Geological Society to the people of Taranaki.
The transfer of funds to the Taranaki Foundation will be completed by the end of this year. This will enable the first scholarship to be offered for the 2027 academic year, with the recipient being selected by the club committee.
This initiative marks an exciting new chapter for TGS. One that not only honours the Society’s legacy but also invests in the bright future of science and education in the Taranaki region.