
About the scholarship
Northland Regional Council’s scholarship is to recognise and support students to undertake study, research or training that relates to council’s environmental and regulatory functions – providing a springboard for future environmental leaders and champions, whilst contributing to council’s vision ‘Our Northland – together we thrive’.
The scholarship aims to:
- Build Māori capacity within Te Taitokerau and assist students to pursue further education
- Encourage greater uptake of tertiary education aimed at protecting the environment
- Develop connections between tertiary students and council
- Provide support to students experiencing financial hardship and difficulties
- Encourage mātauranga Māori research and education.

Eligibility criteria
The scholarship is available to students who:
- Are a NZ citizen or permanent resident
- Reside in, have family that reside in or have whakapapa (a genealogical connection) to Te Taitokerau
- Are studying at an undergraduate or higher qualification level
- Are enrolled (or intend to enrol) in a recognised tertiary course of study that relates to council’s environmental and regulatory functions.
Council’s environmental and regulatory functions include these areas:
- Environmental science and data analysis
- Flood and natural hazard engineering and management
- Biosecurity
- Water management
- Climate change
- Environmental planning and policy
- Geographic information system (GIS)
- Land management
How to apply
Applications for the 2021-2022 scholarships have CLOSED.
The following supporting documentation is what you will need if you decide to make an application next time.
- A CV – maximum of two pages.
- Complete the Personal Statement section that includes the following:
- Tell us about yourself (including your whakapapa or connection to Te Taitokerau).
- Why did you apply for the Tū i te ora Scholarship?
- What are you studying (or intending to study) and at which tertiary institute?
- How does your study relate to council’s environmental and regulatory functions?
- What would it mean to you to receive this financial support?
- Your current or past involvement in community and/or environmental activities. - Proof of enrolment (or intention to enrol) in tertiary study such as a transcript, invoice or letter of confirmation.
- Two references (one each of academic and character).

Selection criteria
When assessing applications, the panel may take into consideration any/all of the following:
- Academic merit
- Whakapapa to Te Taitokerau
- Community involvement
- Financial need
- Relevance of studies (to council’s environmental and regulatory functions).
Please note: Four scholarships are dedicated to Māori (who whakapapa to Te Taitokerau) and one is dedicated to a student undertaking study, research or training related to council’s land or water functions.