About
Public Trust is a New Zealand government-owned organization that has served New Zealanders for over 150 years. The organization provides estate planning and administration services including wills, enduring powers of attorney, probate assistance, trusts, and grants services. Public Trust helps protect New Zealanders by ensuring their assets and affairs are properly managed and distributed according to their wishes.
Funding Opportunities
William Lomis Cox Memorial Scholarship
The William Lomis Cox Memorial Scholarship supports students from the Whakatane area of New Zealand who wish to train as teachers, with particular emphasis on social science subjects. First awarded in 1958, the scholarship was established by Norman Cox in the name of his late father to support Whakatane area students training to be teachers, with the hope they would return to Whakatane to share their knowledge and skills with the new generation of school students. The scholarship is available to students who normally reside in the area covered by the Whakatane District Council, have attended a State-owned post-primary school in the region for at least one year, and intend to enter the primary or secondary teaching profession. Eligible students may be about to commence or continue their tertiary study, provided their course of study includes social science subjects such as anthropology, economics, geography, history, philosophy, psychology, political science, or sociology.
Von Der Oelsnitz Scholarships
The Von Der Oelsnitz Scholarships were established through the Will of Haydee Jacobs to encourage postgraduate study of French and German language. The scholarship is managed by the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation and is awarded on the basis of academic merit. This funding opportunity supports students pursuing Honours, Masters, or Doctoral level studies in French or German at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship aims to promote advanced language study and research in these important European languages at the postgraduate level.
The TTTM Charitable Trust Scholarship
The TTTM Charitable Trust Scholarship was established from the residuary estate of Ivan Richard Millet, an investor, traveller and science fiction writer. The Trust provides scholarships to tertiary students studying science at universities in New Zealand. The scholarship is awarded for one year of study and is designed to support both undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing science programs. Preference is given to New Zealand citizens, though applicants without this status will also be considered. In recognition of the donor's connection to the region, the Trust gives preference in 2025 to applicants who have resided in Invercargill for a minimum of two years. In 2025, the Trust will offer up to two scholarships, each valued at $8,000 NZD.
The Stark-Brown Scholarships
The Stark-Brown Scholarships are funded through the estate of John Michael Stark-Brown, a former viticulturist from Auckland who died in 1983. The scholarship fund was established to support students pursuing studies in the horticulture or agriculture field. The scholarships are specifically designed for individuals who have previously attended Oratia Primary School and are enrolling in or attending full-time tertiary study at Lincoln University or Massey University in New Zealand. Mr Stark-Brown expressed a special wish that applicants had attended Oratia Primary School for at least one year and be studying in the field of either Horticulture or Agriculture. Scholarships are awarded at a minimum of $5,000 NZD for one year, with successful applicants having the option to apply annually for continuation of the scholarship until their course of study is complete.
The O'Donnell Trust Fund Scholarships
The O'Donnell Trust Fund Scholarships are awarded to assist students residing within 30 kilometers of Palmerston North to advance their education in music, ballet, or singing by undertaking study with an appropriate university, polytechnic, school, or academy in New Zealand or overseas. Scholarships range between $5,000 and $10,000 per year for up to 3 years. The trust was established by the late Mrs O'Donnell to give back and offer musicians, ballet dancers, and singers from Palmerston North opportunities to continue building their talents both within New Zealand and overseas, including travel and accommodation expenses. Special consideration is given to underprivileged students in accordance with Mrs O'Donnell's wishes. Eligible applicants must be New Zealand born or naturalised citizens who are permanent residents living within 30 kilometers of The Square in Palmerston North. They must have demonstrated outstanding music, ballet, or singing talent in New Zealand and intend to advance their education in these disciplines. The course of study must be for a minimum of one year and must commence within 12 months of the application closing date.
The Louisa Roper Scholarship
The Louisa Roper Scholarships were funded by the generosity of the late Myrtle Louisa Roper under the terms of her Will. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide scholarships in perpetuity to assist students to further their tertiary education in the arts, primarily modern languages other than English. The scholarship fund is managed and administered by Public Trust and is held by a purposely structured trust registered as a charitable trust. Applicants must have attended one of three specific secondary schools: Avonside Girls High School, Papanui High School, or Ashburton College during any part of their final year of secondary education. The scholarship supports tertiary education courses that must be delivered by a recognised tertiary institution and must be at least one year in duration. Applications open annually in November, and students pursuing modern language studies in the arts at the tertiary level are encouraged to apply. This scholarship provides ongoing support to help students advance their education in languages and the arts, continuing the philanthropic legacy of Myrtle Louisa Roper.
The Lonsdale Scholarships
The Lonsdale Scholarships were created by the Will of Herbert Lonsdale, a Jeweller from Christchurch, in 1932. The scholarships are open to male students who have attended state primary and/or secondary schools in Nelson for three years and are intending to enrol in a course of study at University of Canterbury. The Will established a committee, which includes the Headmasters of Nelson College and Christchurch Boys' High School, to decide on the recipients of the awards. The scholarship is managed and administered by Public Trust. Recipients must be enrolling for their first year of study at the University of Canterbury.
The James (Senior) & Mary Garcia Scholarship
The James (Senior) & Mary Garcia Scholarships were established under the Will of Veda Garcia in 2008 to provide scholarships in perpetuity to assist school leavers aiming to further their education in journalism and music. The scholarships are specifically designed for students whose permanent residence is in the Taranaki district, with preference given to former Westown Primary School students. This scholarship opportunity supports the continuation of education for young people pursuing careers in creative and media fields. Applications are accepted annually from September through October, with awards made for the following academic year. Recipients are notified of outcomes by the end of November. The scholarship is managed and administered by Public Trust New Zealand.
The Carterton District Trust Scholarship
The Carterton District Trust Scholarship was established in 1962 by Ronald Philip Wakelin to support students from the Carterton and Wairarapa South districts in New Zealand. The scholarship assists students pursuing post-primary or university education, helping them continue their studies at the tertiary level. The scholarship is specifically designed for students who are or have been residents of the Carterton and Wairarapa South districts. It supports both students starting their tertiary education and those continuing their studies, with eligibility extending to students who commenced their tertiary course within three years of leaving school. The Carterton District Trust Scholarship is managed and administered by Public Trust, a Crown entity that oversees various trusts and estates in New Zealand. Applications for this scholarship open periodically, with the next application round scheduled to open in November 2026.
The Barrington Miller Educational Trust Fund No.1
The Barrington Miller Educational Trust Fund No.1 was established by Mr William Barrington Miller to honor his time in Gisborne, New Zealand. The trust provides financial assistance to boys of good character living in Gisborne and surrounding districts who have performed well at school and wish to pursue higher education. The definition of 'higher form of education' is interpreted broadly and inclusively, encompassing professional development in trades or commerce, training as an artisan or mechanic, and education at New Zealand universities or other accepted tertiary education providers. Applicants must have been born in New Zealand and have resided in the Gisborne District for at least ten years. The scholarship is specifically designed to help young men from the region advance their education after completing high school.
Siga Siga Trust Scholarship
The Siga Siga Trust Scholarship is established under a deed of trust settled by a past pupil of Otago Boys' High School (the late Mr William Eric George Finlayson) and is administered under regulations made pursuant to the trust. The scholarship is only available to present or past pupils of Otago Boys' High School who are New Zealand born or naturalised citizens and at least 16 years old. Applicants must be intending to advance their education at Otago Boys' High School or an appropriate tertiary provider such as a university, polytechnic or training school. The course of study must be for a minimum of 1 year (full-time) and can be in New Zealand or overseas. Preference will be given to boys who are without one or both parents, sons of returned servicemen, or able to demonstrate a need for financial assistance. Scholarships will be awarded between $3,000 and $15,000 per year for up to 3 years.
Phyllis Augusta Rolfes Scholarship
The PA Rolfes Scholarship Trust was established through the Will of the late Phyllis Augusta Rolfes who died in 1987. This scholarship supports young New Zealand citizens who wish to study overseas to obtain further education in scientific knowledge for the purpose of advancing the standard of scientific knowledge in New Zealand. The scholarship is specifically designed for students who have attended school in Kaikoura for at least 5 years and are between the ages of 18 to 30 at the time the scholarship is awarded. The program aims to enable New Zealand students with a connection to the Kaikoura region to pursue advanced scientific education internationally and bring that knowledge back to benefit New Zealand's scientific community.
New Zealand Communities Growth Trust (NZCGT) Relief of Poverty
The New Zealand Communities Growth Trust Relief of Poverty program provides financial assistance to individuals who have been disadvantaged by cults and/or spiritual communities, including former residents of Centrepoint. The trust was established by High Court Order in March 2000 as a reformation of the former Centrepoint Community Growth Trust, which operated an intentional community in Albany from the late 1970s to the 1990s. Public Trust was appointed as Trustee by the High Court. Applicants must demonstrate a clear need for support based on their personal circumstances and show difficulty in meeting that need on their own. First-time applicants must include a brief explanation of how they have experienced disadvantage or harm within a religious cult or spiritual community. The program requires applicants to have explored other available avenues of financial assistance, such as support from Work & Income or a Hardship Withdrawal from their KiwiSaver provider before applying. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis after the closing dates of the 15th and 30th of each month (or the preceding working day if the date falls on a weekend or public holiday). In December, all applications are considered only after the 15th of the month. The program is specifically designed to provide poverty relief to those who have suffered harm from cult or spiritual community involvement.
Margaret Tudor South Undergraduate Scholarship in Chinese
The Margaret Tudor South Undergraduate Scholarship in Chinese was established in 2018 and is funded by a bequest from Margaret Tudor South. The main purpose of the Scholarship is to support an undergraduate student enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts conjoint degree, majoring in Chinese or Asian Studies with a Chinese focus, in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Auckland. The scholarship process is managed by The University of Auckland. Applicants must be in stage II or III of a BA/BA conjoint majoring in Chinese or Asian Studies with a Chinese focus. Applications open yearly in January and close in February.
Margaret Tudor South New Start Award
The Margaret Tudor South New Start Award was established in 2018 and is funded by a bequest from Margaret Tudor South. The main purpose of the Award is to assist women students enrolled in the New Start Programme at the University of Auckland. The scholarship is specifically designed to support women who are undertaking the New Start Programme, which helps students gain entry into university study. The scholarship process is managed by The University of Auckland, with applications opening in February every year.
LW Nelson Junior Scholarship
The LW Nelson Junior Scholarship was established in 1958 by Northland farmer and businessman Laurence William Nelson to support students who wish to attend boarding school in the Northland area of New Zealand. The Scholarship is managed and administered by Public Trust and provides annual funding towards boarding fees for a period of three years. The scholarship is specifically designed for young students aged 13 years or less who reside in the Northland Area within the boundaries of the districts of Kaipara, Whangarei and the Far North, and who would not be able to attend school otherwise than as a boarder. All scholarships are conditional on the applicant being enrolled at a school within the Trust's funding region. Successful applicants receive an annual sum towards boarding fees, with the requirement to request scholarship continuation for year 2 and year 3 boarding fees. Applications open annually from 15 September to 31 October, though this timeframe may change from time to time.
Kiley Family Memorial Trust Scholarship
The Kiley Family Memorial Trust Scholarships support students from Taranaki/Whanganui or Wellington-based Catholic schools pursuing secondary and tertiary education. The scholarships are awarded in three categories: secondary scholarships, boarding scholarships for secondary students, and tertiary scholarships for both final-year secondary students planning to pursue degrees and continuing tertiary students. Preference is given to students from less well-off backgrounds who would otherwise have difficulty paying their fees and meeting other costs. Applications for any field of study are considered, but further preference is given to students planning careers in agriculture-related fields. The scholarships are funded by revenue from a Taranaki dairy farm owned by the trust, which was established in 2000 by brothers Peter and John Kiley to help young people facing educational challenges.
Kamo-Tuuta Scholarship
The Kamo-Tuuta Scholarship was established through the Will of Minnie Te Miri Kamo, late of Kaiapoi. The purpose of the Scholarship is to facilitate post-graduate study through a University, or other recognised tertiary education system. The scholarship is available primarily to family members of Peter Kamo (husband of Minnie Te Miri Kamo) and George Tuuta (also known as George Toko Tuuta, father of Minnie Te Miri Kamo). Family members include Whangai family members. If no family members are available in any given year, the scholarship may be awarded to any other Maori student of Te Atiawa or Arawa descent. A maximum of $5,000 will be awarded to an applicant. Applications may be submitted at any time in the year and must include supporting documents and a family tree showing the relationship to Peter Kamo or George Tuuta.
Helen Graham Primary Industries Scholarship
The Helen Graham Primary Industries Scholarship was established in 1992 by Helen Margaret Robertson through the Helen Graham Charitable Trust. The scholarship supports students from the Horowhenua region of New Zealand who wish to pursue tertiary education in primary industries fields. The scholarship is specifically designed for Year 13 secondary school students who demonstrate a desire to advance their education and take up careers in horticulture, forestry, fishing, veterinary science, or environmental science. The program honors the legacy of Mrs. Robertson, a former school inspector specializing in science who established the trust to support education in these critical industry sectors.
George Powell Trust Scholarship
The George Powell Trust provides scholarships for agricultural education in New Zealand with preference given to disadvantaged youth from the Wider Whanganui region. The scholarship supports education in farming, agriculture or horticulture through theory and/or practical experience. Public Trust selects two recipients annually for scholarships of up to $10,000 NZD per year for a maximum period of three years, contingent on ongoing success in educational pursuits. The scholarship is limited to first-year, post-secondary/undergraduate studies undertaken full-time at NZQA-recognised institutions in New Zealand, including universities, Institutes of Technology, Private Training Establishments, and Polytechs. Cadetships are also considered. Preference is given to disadvantaged youth, which may include those facing health, economic, geographic remoteness, or family circumstance challenges.
Frank and Doris Bateson Memorial Graduate Scholarship
The Frank and Doris Bateson Memorial Graduate Scholarship was established in 2013 from a 2007 bequest from the estate of Frank Maine Bateson OBE, who was a driving force in New Zealand astronomy and is regarded as the father of astronomy in New Zealand. He was responsible for setting up New Zealand's only professional astronomical research observatories. The purpose of this scholarship is to support research postgraduate students in Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Canterbury. The scholarship is available to students enrolled full-time or part-time in either a Master of Science (MSc) Part II or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme in Astronomy or Astrophysics at the University of Canterbury.
Estate of Alfred William Parsons
The Estate of Alfred William Parsons is a charitable trust providing grants to support charitable bodies and purposes in the Waipukurau District area (east of SH2 and the Makarakeke Stream, excluding Waipawa township). The Trust has an express preference for supporting persons in indigent circumstances who are unable to adequately maintain and support themselves and their dependents, as well as institutions and bodies benefiting the welfare of youth organisations. Established in 1953 following Mr. Parsons' death, the Trust's income was historically derived from a sheep and beef farm in Waipukurau. Public Trust has announced the sale of Parsons farm with proceeds to be invested to support increased community funding. Annual granting rounds are expected to resume in 2026. Eligible applicants include registered charities and schools based in or supporting people within the defined Waipukurau District area.
Elsmore Holdings Trust
The Elsmore Holdings Trust gives grants towards the maintenance, education and advancement of children and young people in poor or needy circumstances. Special consideration is given to the alleviation of physical or mental distress. The Trust is a Charitable Trust established through the Will of Bruce Rodney Elsmore, late of Rotorua, who passed away on 24 August 1974. There are three Trustees, being Public Trust, Judge Lawrence Ryan and Dr Stephen Gates, both of Auckland. Please note that due to insufficient funds, the Trustees have made the decision to put future granting on hold, to allow the trust to consolidate its investments with the aim of making more meaningful and regular grants in the future. This grant hold is expected to last for up to five years, at which time the Trustees will review the Trusts situation. Public Trust expects to be able to run another grant round in 2030.
Eileen May Norris Dance Scholarships
The Eileen May Norris Dance Scholarships are awarded biennially to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dance talent in New Zealand. The scholarships support dancers of any genre undertaking specific projects, and are open to those studying with an appropriate university, polytechnic, dance school or academy, or for those dancing with a professional body or company. Established through the will of Miss Eileen May Norris in 2003, the scholarships honor her passion for dance and music. Miss Norris was a ballroom dancing medal winner and keen Latin American dancer who enjoyed ballet and all forms of dance. Applications are accepted every two years from January to the end of March.
Earle Creativity and Development Trust
The Earle Creativity and Development Trust provides grants for creative and development projects in the Manawatu and Rangitikei region of New Zealand. The trust operates on a rotating schedule, funding different disciplines in alternate years. In odd years, grants are available for History/Literature and Music projects. In even years, the trust funds Visual Arts, Science and Technology projects. Applications open annually on July 1st and are accepted through September.
Doris Elizabeth Geraldine Swadling Scholarship
Public Trust serves as Trustee of the Estate of Doris Elizabeth Geraldine Swadling. The Trust was established following Miss Swadling's death in 1960, with the residue of the estate held in perpetuity to provide scholarships. The Trust offers two types of scholarships for students residing in the Taranaki Province of New Zealand who are under 21 years of age. Music Scholarships advance musical education by providing assistance to enable students to obtain musical training or education and foster knowledge and appreciation for good music. Preference is given to students from less well-off backgrounds. Note that the Trust no longer provides scholarships specifically for music tuition. Agriculture Scholarships support students who wish to become farmers by providing assistance to obtain further education or training in knowledge and skills useful for farming pursuits. Awards are balanced between career-specific/merit-based criteria and financial need-based considerations.
Claude McCarthy Fellowship
The Claude McCarthy Fellowship is awarded to enable New Zealand university graduates to undertake original work or research in literature, science or medicine. The fellowship was established through a bequest from Claude McCarthy's estate and is managed by Public Trust. The fellowship specifically supports travel for doctoral students, enabling graduates of a New Zealand university who are registered and enrolled for a doctoral degree at a New Zealand university to travel overseas for short periods to present research work at conferences and/or conduct research leading towards their New Zealand doctoral degree. Fellows must retain their New Zealand doctoral registration during the tenure of their award.
ANV Dobbs Memorial Scholarship
The ANV Dobbs Memorial Scholarship is open to Year 13 students from Christchurch Boys' High School who are going on to university study. Preference is given to students studying economics as part of a Bachelor's degree. Extended scholarships are awarded to successful applicants in each year of university study at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee. This scholarship was established by Mrs Gwendoline Dobbs in 1994 in memory of her late husband Arthur Newman Vickery Dobbs CBE, a Christchurch Boys' High School Old Boy who died in 1988. Mr Dobbs was former Director General of Education in New Zealand. The scholarship commemorates his lifelong work and interest in education and is managed by Public Trust.
At a Glance
- Total Funding Opportunities
- 34
- Active Now
- 28
- Source Domain
- publictrust.co.nz
Catalog Data
This funder profile was automatically extracted from grant listings. Information may be incomplete.
Visit official website