Waimate Agricultural Trust Grants

ABOUT THE TRUST

The Waimate Agricultural Trust was established in 2012 from funds provided by The Waimate Farmers Veterinary Club which was then dissolved. Members of the club wished the club’s funds to be retained within the area previously serviced by the club and that they are used for the benefit of agricultural students.

OBJECT OF THE TRUST

The object of the trust is to assist students of any form of agriculture for the purpose of their education by any polytechnic, university or other recognised formal training institution.

MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST

The trust is managed by a Board of Trustees which has complete and uncontrolled discretion in regard to the granting of funds and all other matters in regard to eligibility, residence etc. The guidelines for eligibility for funding are broad but the trustees will scrutinise applications in detail before a decision is reached.

GEOGRAPHICAL AREA

Grants are only available to applicants within a certain geographical area. Briefly this area extends between the Waitaki River in the south to the Pareora River in the north. The western boundaries extend to Lake Benmore and the Otaio Gorge. If in doubt, applicants residing near the western boundaries may enquire with the secretary as to more precise details of their eligibility.

RESIDENCY

Applicants must have lived within the geographical area for a continual period of at least two years of their lifetime.

COST OF STUDY

Grants are to cover tuition costs. Accommodation, travel and books are excluded from this. Please check if you are eligible for the Government Fees Free initiative before applying. When supplying your course costs please ensure you only provide the relevant academic year’s tuition fees.

OTHER APPLICATIONS

Details of any application for a Student Loan made to Studylink should be advised.

APPLICATIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Applications should be made in writing on the prescribed form. Please include an up-to-date C.V. and 3 written references as well as any additional information you believe relevant to your application.

INTERVIEWS

Depending on the funds required and other circumstances, the applicant may be required to attend an interview.

PAYMENT OF GRANT

Grants will be paid upon receipt of an invoice supplied to us by you from your educational provider. If your course fees are invoiced by semester the Trust will pay the grant pro rata as each invoice is supplied.

CONDITIONS

Successful applicants will be required to complete an accountability questionnaire briefly outlining their academic year’s progress. This will be emailed to recipients by the end of September 2025, for completion by 31st October 2026.

GRANT EXPIRY

Grant recipients will be required to have uplifted the funds in their entirety by 31st October 2025. Applicants are eligible to re-apply for funding on an annual basis.