Norman Kirk Memorial Trust Pasifika Scholarship
History and purpose
Established in 1976, the Norman Kirk Memorial Trust commemorates the legacy of the Right Honourable Norman Kirk, Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1972 to 1974. A compassionate and visionary leader, Norman Kirk championed opportunities for disadvantaged communities and fostered stronger relationships between New Zealand and other small nations across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.
In recognition of his contribution to public life, donations from individuals and governments were placed into a fund that is now administered and invested by the Trust. Income generated from the fund supports scholarships for students from New Zealand and the South Pacific, with a particular focus on those pursuing a second chance in education or training and working towards qualifications that will enable them to make a positive contribution to their communities.
Who is eligible?
Applicants must be:
- enrolled or intending to enrol fulltime in their first undergraduate degree in the year following application
- a New Zealand-based student of Pasifika descent
- facing financial hardship
Selection criteria
Selection is based on the strength of the applicant's application. Preference may be given to a mature second chance applicant.
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
- A personal statement outlining academic goals
- Applicants must complete the financial section of the online application
- A character reference (to be requested via the online application)
- A Pasifika endorsement of ethnicity (to be requested via the online application)
Selection process
In consultation with nominees from the Office of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika and Student Finance, the Scholarships Office will submit a short list of up to five candidates to the Trust for selection.
Additional information
Recipients are required to submit a letter of thanks to the donor upon accepting the scholarship and provide and end-of-year progress report.
The scholarship will be paid directly to the recipient as a stipend in two instalments.
Recipients must maintain a C+ average (GPA of 3) to retain the scholarship for the second and third years.
Regulations and conditions
- 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.
- All offers of the Scholarship will be conditional upon the recipient being fully enrolled in a full-year programme (full time will be at the level of points considered by Studylink as full time) within the stipulated criteria and tenure of the scholarship. No payment of the Scholarship will be made until this condition is met.
- The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
- The Scholarship may be held in conjunction with other awards.
- Should the recipient withdraw from Victoria University of Wellington during the tenure of this scholarship or fail to achieve 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 Te Herenga Waka—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