$3 million given in university scholarships

Media Release
12 May 2009
$3 million given in university scholarships

Prime Minister John Key, last night presented 37 students with scholarships totaling $236,000 at Parliament’s Grand Hall in Wellington on behalf of Freemasons New Zealand. The students received university or post-graduate scholarships of either $6,000 or $10,000.

Over the last 22 years, Freemasons New Zealand has provided scholarships in excess of $3 million to nearly 887 students at Auckland, AUT, Waikato, Massey, Victoria, Canterbury, Lincoln and Otago universities, making The Freemasons Charity one of the country’s largest, privately-funded university scholarship programmes.

Freemasons Grand Master, Stan Barker of Christchurch, says applicants must not only be consistent A-grade students completing their degrees, but they must also play an active role in their community.

“As Freemasons we are delighted to assist those who display excellence and encourage them to use their skills and abilities in making our society a better place.”

“Today we have helped young people towards careers as varied as climate change science and medical research into new HIV/AIDS and Alzheimer’s treatments and even through to orchestral conducting and researching unsafe behaviour in aviation.

“Our scholarship recipients are all high-achieving young people who recognise the importance and involvement of community service as well as academic success. As they will be our leaders of tomorrow, Freemasonry is honored to be able to reward their merit and further encourage their application.

“Freemasons support education as through learning we develop tolerance and understanding which leads to a healthier society for all, and an environment which fosters peace and harmony.

“Education is an investment in New Zealand’s future, and we are delighted to empower another 37 students with scholarships,” says Stan Barker.

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