Displaying items by tag: Scholarships

Background/purpose

Wetland Care Research Scholarships are Ducks Unlimited-sponsored scholarships applicable to any student currently enrolled or affiliated with a New Zealand university.

Funds are aimed at encouraging and supporting students who wish to push the boundaries of what is known about wetland restoration and conservation and whose projects are designed to facilitate better management of New Zealand wetlands or their environment.

Up to $20,000 is available each year to cover one to four separate scholarships of $5000 each. Funds can be used to support student living costs or to cover the costs of equipment purchase, logistics and consumables.

 

Criteria

Applications will be accepted from students/researchers affiliated with universities interested in making a difference through wetland conservation.

The student project must be based in New Zealand. Preference will be given to applications that demonstrate:

■ projects of direct benefit to New Zealand based on current wetland conservation issues.

■ innovative thinking that pushes the boundaries of what is known about New Zealand wetland conservation.

■ research on native threatened wetland bird species.

■ research with clear objectives and measurable outcomes.

■ research with a strong wetland management and conservation applications.

■ research covering any ‘preferred research topics’ listed on the Ducks Unlimited/Wetland Care website.

Value

Wetland Care will award up to four scholarships a year, in two funding rounds each year for the next three years. The current round, consisting of one or two $5000 scholarships, is being advertised now for 2020.

The next funding round, consisting of another one or two $5000 scholarships, will be advertised early next year. Funds will be paid in one lump sum to successful candidates upon completion of the milestones agreed at the time the scholarship is accepted.

 

Interested? Or want to know more?

Please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your questions or to request an application pack.

Terms and conditions and an application form are available on the Ducks Unlimited website: www.ducks.org.nz/wetland-care/scholarships.

Applications for the current round close on 1 November 2019.

In the past 60 years this award has provided the opportunity for a select group of young rural New Zealanders to have a life changing experience. Overseas travel, study the latest developments in agricultural countries, along with the opportunity to meet leaders and decision makers.

 

Dan, a farmer and conservationist, said he intends to focus on Brand New Zealand. He wants the chance to promote NZ products because they are the best. Strengthening rural towns and involving communities in conservation to build the belief there is value in looking after our own environment is one of his aims. 

 

Dan already has overseas experiences, but for many years now has been running his property Blue Duck Station. The 1460ha sheep and beef station and the conservation projects also involved there, include working with his parents on their neighbouring Retruke Station, building his Blue Duck Lodge in 2005 and founding Wild Journeys commercial jet boats partnership.

 

Preserving native bird species, particularly blue duck and kiwi, retiring or planting steep and marginal land, improving water quality and trees for bees, increasing manuka/bush honey production and creating a place for guests to stay and be involved with the land.

 

A most important partnership is with his wife, Sandy Waters and their two children. And if all that was not enough Dan is also involved with Ruapehu Regional Tourism, Ducks Unlimited, Wetland Care and Whanganui National Park Conservation and Historic Preservation Trust.

 

Other Nuffield winners this year are: