Kevin Smith Memorial Scholarship

History and purpose

The scholarship is provided by the Friends of Taputeranga Marine Reserve Charitable Trust ('the Friends').

Kevin Smith was Conservation Director of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand and Senior Conservation Adviser to the Minister of Conservation. Kevin made a significant contribution to the protection of New Zealand's natural environment, as well as being actively involved in the establishment of the Taputeranga Marine Reserve. Kevin lived locally on the Wellington South Coast where he regularly enjoyed diving and walking. He died suddenly from a heart attack in 2005 while cycling.

The University publicly supported, and staff and students were actively involved in, the establishment of the Marine Reserve. This scholarship was inaugurated to acknowledge and celebrate both Kevin's and the University's contributions and support by encouraging students to undertake research and thesis studies relevant to the Marine Reserve.

Who is eligible?

• Applicants must be enrolled for a postgraduate degree (either PhD or Master level) at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington and intend to undertake research or thesis studies related to the Marine Reserve and its effects, including its societal, attitudinal and economic impacts. (Applications from a broad range of disciplines are encouraged).

Selection criteria

• Applicants must be enrolled for a postgraduate degree (either PhD or Master level) at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington.
• Applicants must be undertaking research or thesis studies related to the Marine Reserve and its effects, including its societal, attitudinal and economic impacts.

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

• Personal statement.
• A reference. (to be requested via the online application)

Selection process

The successful recipient will be selected by the representatives of the Smith family (represented by Danica Stent, DOC) and Friends of the Taputeranga Marine Reserve Trustees.

Additional information

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

The recipient will be invited to a Trust meeting, and be asked to acknowledge the financial assistance of the Friends in any publication prepared by the Scholar that uses findings derived from research funded under this scholarship. The Friends would also like to profile the recipient in their outreach material as well as provide a brief summary of any findings for publication on their website.

Funds may be used for any purpose that supports the applicant’s research or thesis studies. The scholarship shall be awarded on the basis of academic merit and on the basis of the proposed research project or thesis study. The research project or thesis subject area is open but must have relevance to the Marine Reserve. Applicants are also encouraged to propose how their findings can be communicated to the wider public.

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

For more information on this award, you can also contact:

Contact: Nicole Miller
Phone: 0210 549865
Email: enquiries@taputeranga.org.nz
Website: taputeranga.org.nz/scholarship/