Wetland Care New Zealand Scholarship

Study area(s): Science
Scholarship level: All postgraduate
Closing date(s): 31 March, 30 September
Tenure: One year
Award for: Domestic; Sustainability focused
Number offered: Up to four over the two funding rounds annually
Value: $5,000 stipend

History and purpose

Wetland Care Research Scholarships may be applied for by any student currently enrolled or affiliated with a New Zealand university. These scholarships are aimed at postgraduate students who wish to push the boundaries of what is known about wetland restoration and conservation. Applications will be accepted from students within universities in New Zealand prepared to make a difference through wetland conservation, with outcomes likely to provide for better management of New Zealand wetlands or their environment.

Wetland Care NZ, in association with its sponsor Ducks Unlimited NZ, works to save wetlands through protection, funding, technical support and education so that the flora and fauna of our most endangered ecosystem are a legacy that we can pass down to future generations. This scholarship fits with the educational goal. See the DUNZ website for more information www.ducks.org.nz

Research scholarships aid restoration of native wetlands

Who is eligibile?

This scholarship is open to all postgraduate students undertaking projects which address importance identified by Wetland Care NZ Projects. These areas of important research are:

  • Innovative thinking of direct benefit to New Zealand based on current wetland conservation issues
  • Research on native threatened wetland species
  • Strong wetland management & conservation value
  • Research covering “any preferred research topics” listed on the Ducks Unlimited Wetland Care website.

Selection criteria

  • Applicants must be currently enrolled or intending to enrol in postgraduate studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington (preference will be given to Master's student).
  • Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
  • Research project must be based in New Zealand.

How do students apply?

Online applications are available on the Ducks Unlimited New Zealand website.

https://www.ducks.org.nz/wetland-care/scholarships

Scholarship specific documentation

  • A brief summary of study and research objectives (maximum of 500 words)
  • A budget statement outlining how the scholarship funds will be spent on research project
  • Two references (one academic and one from outside university)

Selection process

The successful applicants will be selected by the Wetland Care New Zealand Trustees after consultation with Victoria University of Wellington academic staff.

Additional information

Recipients must write a letter of thanks to the donor of this scholarship.

The recipient of the Scholarship must, upon completion of their study, submit a short report for publication in the Ducks Unlimited Flight magazine and will be invited to make a verbal presentation at a Ducks Unlimited conference.

Applicants should aim to publish their research findings in a peer reviewed journal where appropriate.

Funds can be used to support student living costs or to cover the costs of equipment purchase, logistics and consumables. Funds will be paid in one lump sum to successful candidates upon commencement or completion of the milestones agreed at the time the scholarship is accepted

Conditions

  1. All offers of the Scholarship will be conditional upon the recipient being fully enrolled in a full-year or part time 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.
  2. The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
  3. The Scholarship may be held in conjunction with other awards.
  4. 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.
  5. Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for Victoria University of Wellington and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested.
  6. 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.
  7. By accepting the scholarship, the recipient agrees to participate in any publicity concerning the Scholarship arranged by Ducks Unlimited NZ, including but not limited a short story announcing the candidate and his/her proposed project, to appear in the next edition of Ducks Unlimited's Flight Magazine.

Contact

Scholarships Office
scholarships-office@vuw.ac.nz
Phone 0800 04 04 04