Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust Postgraduate Research Scholarship
History and purpose
Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust is a public charitable trust made up of people who care deeply about the preservation of this internationally significant native botanic garden and forest reserve. Members include families, retirees, keen gardeners, walkers, photographers, botanists and conservationists. Many are active volunteers – brought together by the common purpose of sustaining Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush for future generations.
The Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust Postgraduate Research Scholarship was established in 2026 to assist postgraduate students at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, whose thesis project deals with some aspect of our terrestrial biota (preferably plants, fungi or invertebrates) and could include either a science or te ao Māori approach. Applications researching historical, sociological and cultural aspects of either our biota, native bush reserves, or botanic/native plant gardens are also welcomed.
Who is eligible?
- Applicants must be currently enrolled at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington in either a Master’s Research programme or Doctoral programme.
- Applicants research must include some aspect of our terrestrial biota (preferably plants, fungi or invertebrates) and could include either a science or te ao Māori approach.
- Applications researching historical, sociological and cultural aspects of either our biota, native bush reserves, or botanic/native plant gardens are also eligible.
Selection criteria
Selection will be based on:
- Academic merit
- The applicants research topic and it’s alignment with the Trust’s interests
Preference will be given to projects relevant to Ōtari-Wilton's Bush or the Wellington region. Research that includes some field work within Ōtari-Wilton's Bush is encouraged.
Application process
A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4.30 pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.
Applications will normally open one month prior to the closing date. If no application link is provided below, check back again closer to the closing date. Contact us if you have any queries.
Scholarship specific documentation
- Research proposal, to include:
- An outline of the scope of the project
- A simple timeline of research activity
- How the funding will enhance the quality of the research
- How the project fits the donors wishes
- The applicant's supervisory team (including external collaborators where appropriate)
- A simple budget including the amount requested and including any other major sources of funding.
- A statement of support from current supervisor (to be requested via the online application).
Selection process
A shortlist of potential recipients will be decided by Directors of the Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration and Ecology, in consultation with other academics as appropriate.
The final recipient will then be chosen from this shortlist by the donor.
Additional information
- The scholarship will be paid directly to the student in one lump sum. The funding is expected to be used for research expenses, fieldwork, or travel for study purposes.
- The recipient will be required to write a letter of thanks to the donor and provide a written report the year following their award to be submitted to the donor.
- The recipient will be required to present their findings at the annual Ōtari-Wilton's Bush Trust seminar series.
- Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for the University and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested.
Conditions
- All offers of the Scholarship will be conditional upon the recipient being enrolled in a full-year programme, within the criteria and tenure of the scholarship. No payment of the Scholarship will be made until this condition is met.
- Where part-time study for the recipient is approved, their scholarship award may be pro-rated. This decision will be made by the decision-making panel. Before the recipient decides to reduce their workload from full-time study, this must be discussed with the Scholarships Office
- The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
- The Scholarship may be held in conjunction with other University awards.
- Should the recipient withdraw from Victoria University of Wellington during the tenure of this scholarship or fail to achieve a satisfactory progress, partial repayment of the Scholarship will normally be expected. Recipients must advise the Scholarships Office if they intend to withdraw.
- Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for Victoria University of Wellington and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested.
- At the discretion of the Deciding Authority, the application of the terms and conditions of the Scholarship may be modified in special circumstances or to avoid hardship to any candidate for the Scholarship.
Contact
Scholarships Office
scholarships-office@vuw.ac.nz
Phone 0800 04 04 04