Freemasons give, scholars receive

Media Release

10 May 2017

Freemasons give, scholars receive

Completing their university degrees, 29 of the country’s top students have today (subs 10 May) been awarded Freemasons scholarships totalling $202,000. Distinguished Professor, neuroscientist and Freemason Sir Richard Faull presented the scholarships in Parliament’s Legislative Council Chamber.

Nine postgraduate students were awarded a total of $82,000 and 20 university students a total of $120,000. The students are from AUT, Auckland, Waikato, Massey, Victoria, Canterbury, Lincoln and Otago universities.

Freemasons Grand Master Mark Winger said the occasion was one to celebrate.

“Our scholarship programme is now in its 39th year and is the largest privately funded such programme in the country. During this time it has awarded 1,134 of the country’s top students over $5 million in university and postgraduate scholarships.

“It is based upon recognising scholastic achievement and rewarding recipients for their involvement in their local communities—qualities we all admire and need to celebrate, which we do not do often enough in this country.”

Mr Winger also noted that the charitable activities of Freemasons extend beyond these scholarships.

“Each year New Zealand society benefits from Freemasons around the country—and through their bequests—to the tune of some $10 million. Among those we support are iconic organisations such as the Order of St John, the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind and the Royal Society of New Zealand, as well as long-term medical research programmes at Auckland and Otago universities.

“We also administer a number of charitable trusts set up over the years by Freemasons—from all walks of life—who are keen to make a contribution to education, making a difference now that will influence the community and country in a positive way in the future.”

Mr Winger announced the Lawson-Smith Freemasons Education Trust. The Trust provides $40,000 each year in scholarships to veterinary students studying at Massey University. Today one Veterinary Technology student and four Veterinary Science students received inaugural scholarships.

Ends

2017 Freemasons Charity University Scholarship Recipients

PG means the scholar is awarded a Postgraduate Scholarship of $10,000.
All other scholars are awarded University Scholarships of $6,000.

Note: This year Victoria University of Wellington has two postgraduate scholars. Both candidates were deemed worthy recipients. As one had already received a full scholarship from another funder, she has been awarded the maximum allowable of $6,000. The selection committee obtained additional funding to enable the awarding of an additional postgraduate scholarship of the same value.

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