Te Papa Scholarships: The Cliff Whiting Memorial Scholarship

Study area(s): Humanities and Social Sciences
Scholarship level: Master's by coursework
Closing date(s): 8 November
Tenure: One year
Number offered: One
Value: Please see additional information

History and purpose

The late Cliff Whiting was a founding Kaihautū of Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (Te Papa), which celebrated its 25th Anniversary in February 2023. Te Papa has established two scholarship to honour both Cliff Whiting, and his co-leader, Dame Cheryll Sotheran. These scholarships mark their legacies and make a vital contribution to research and training for the next generation.

The Cliff Whiting Memorial Scholarship will support a student studying a full-time taught Masters in Museum and Heritage Studies in their final trimester at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must be current students studying a taught Masters in Museum and Heritage Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, or be a current student studying taught Masters in related field at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. Preference will be given to candidates of Māori descent. Te Papa will look for project proposals that align with their areas of interest.

Selection criteria

  • Applicants must be current students studying a taught Masters in Museum and Heritage Studies or be a current student studying taught Masters in related field at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington.
  • Preference will be given to applicants of Māori descent.

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 interest in museums and career aspirations
  • A CV
  • Two references (to be requested via the online application)
  • A proposal giving an overview of the project and what you wish to achieve during your internship

Selection process

The selection panel will consist of one representative from Victoria University of Wellington, usually the Programme Director for Museum and Heritage Studies, or their nominee, a representative from Te Papa, and a member of the Whiting family. Candidates may be invited to interview, dependent on the number and calibre of applicants.

Additional information

The value of the scholarship is $6,000 (recipients may also be invited to take part in an internship which is to be organised directly with Te Papa).

Recipients must write a letter of thanks to the donor of this scholarship (Te Papa) and the family of Cliff Whiting. Recipients will also be invited to give a presentation on their research and findings to Te Papa staff upon completion of their course.

Regulations and conditions

  1. 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 4:30pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.
  2. 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.
  3. The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
  4. The Scholarship may be held in conjunction with other awards.
  5. 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.
  6. Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for Victoria University of Wellington and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested.
  7. 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