Each year we offer up to four scholarships to provide a financial boost to students wanting to help shape the future of New Zealand's agricultural sector.
Every year we offer up to four Ballance scholarships valued at $4000 each, to provide a financial boost to students wanting to help shape the future of New Zealand’s agricultural industry.
Because we’re always looking toward the future, we’re looking to attract and support curious minds and talent from a range of fields of study - so New Zealand’s agribusiness sector can continue to lead the world in best practice and innovation.
The scholarships are to subsidise study at a tertiary level in any field related to agri-business or the primary sector - but aren’t limited to on-farm and farm advisory roles. There are a wealth of opportunities to shape the future of New Zealand’s food production across a range of professions including food science, through to patent law, accounting and chemical engineering.
Scholarship applications are open to all New Zealanders, of any age - and the scholarship can be held for up to three years.
Our 2020 scholarship winners
Helen O’Connor: Three year scholarship
Helen O’Connor is studying a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours, at the University of Canterbury, and plans to specialise in Natural Resource Engineering. With the knowledge and skills gained from this degree, Helen wants to design ways to treat nutrient run-off from farms and polluted waterways, through various water treatment initiatives and schemes.
Tessa Strang: Three year scholarship
Tessa Strang is studying a Bachelor of Agribusiness and Food Marketing, at Lincoln University. Tessa has had an interest in food and business since she was young and says the courses she completed at school cemented her decision to enter the agribusiness sector. The opportunity to develop her skills and knowledge in marketing and management as well as a gain a greater understanding of the intricacies of the agribusiness sector will give her the pathway to really add value to the sector in the future.
Emma Ractliffe: Two year scholarship
Emma Ractliffe is studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, at Massey University. Her hands-on experience in the roots of the primary sector, from both working on the farm, and interning with multiple veterinary practices, has built a passion for New Zealand’s globally recognised livestock and food industry. Emma has a sheep and beef farming background and says that first-hand experience she gained developed her interest to become a professional within the industry, and in the future hopes to give back to the farm, and her family.
Matthew Halford: Three year scholarship
Matthew Halford is studying a double Bachelor Degree of Science Majoring in Environmental Science and Geology along with a Bachelor of Law, at Canterbury University. Matthew is passionate about agriculture and has many proud achievements to show for it, including East Coast Junior FMG Young Farmer of the year 2019 and National FMG Junior Young Farmer winner 2019. On completion of his degree Matthew would like to move into environmental consultancy for farmers, councils, governments and hopes to work with farmers to help improve their practice to benefit our land and our environment.
Oliver Saunders: One year scholarship
Oliver Saunders is studying a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours, at the University of Canterbury. On completion of his degree Oliver wants to help people everywhere minimise their environmental footprint, whether this is through environmental consultancy or helping design and develop new products or systems. He intends to use his new knowledge and experience to work in an engineering firm based in New Zealand within the agricultural industry.
Sasha van Beek: One year scholarship
Sasha van Beek is studying a Bachelor of Agribusiness and Food Marketing, at Lincoln University. She is passionate about the primary industries of New Zealand and aspires to be a leader in Food Marketing, on a global scale. On completion of her degree, Sasha would like to promote environmentally sustainable production practices and New Zealand’s high-quality products to the world markets.
