George Powell Trust
History
Mr George Powell was a farmer who lived in Karioi in the Whanganui region. He died on 4 July 1940. In his will dated 9 September 1937, Mr Powell directed that his estate be held on trust for the benefit and advantage of children who were, at the time, under the care and control of the Whanganui Orphanage, Whanganui. The Whanganui Orphanage no longer operates as an orphanage, and a new granting scheme was sought in the High Court in 2014.
Trust purpose
On 7 April 2014, the High Court approved an Order approving a scheme under Part II of the Charitable Trusts Act 1957.
The Trust Fund is held for to support students through the assistance, development and undertaking of agricultural education in New Zealand with preference given to disadvantaged youth from the Wider Whanganui region for education in farming, agriculture or horticulture through theory and/or practical experience.
From 2026, the Trust will expand the funding area and open scholarships to eligible students from the Manawatū‑Whanganui region. A map of the eligible area is shown below. Preference will continue to be given to students who reside in Whanganui.
Scholarships are an annual award of up to $10,000 and are offered for one year only. Successful recipients may apply again in future years.
Scholarship criteria
The scholarship is open to students in their final year of school, and to students who have previously been awarded a scholarship, who reside in the Manawatū‑Whanganui region. Preference will be given to students who reside in the Whanganui region.
Applicants must be intending to pursue a career in farming, agriculture, or horticulture. Study may be undertaken at a university, an institute of technology, or a private training establishment, including cadetships.
Study must be undertaken full-time in New Zealand and be NZQA-recognised.
The scheme provides that preference should be given to disadvantaged youth. Applicants must provide information in their application to support this (for example, health, financial circumstances, geographic remoteness, or family circumstances).
Academic performance will be considered alongside the other information requested.
What scholarships can be used for
Scholarships may be used towards your Student Loan, tertiary fees (including course fees and hall of residence fees), or other study-related costs (including laptops, stationery, working dog expenses, work clothing, tools, living costs, and travel costs).