Waikato-Tainui and commercial law firm Simpson Grierson have announced a new scholarship to support law students at the University of Waikato.
The $1500 scholarship will be awarded annually to recognise and support an outstanding undergraduate law student, who can demonstrate an interest in governance, asset management, and/or public policy (including environmental) advocacy.
This scholarship is available to registered Waikato-Tainui tribal members who are in fulltime or part-time study at the University of Waikato Faculty of Law, in their second or third year of study. Applicants must have obtained a B+ or better grade average in papers relevant to the areas of focus, and must also be able to demonstrate a willingness to take on leadership roles within their marae, hapū and iwi, and provide evidence of this to support their application.
Waikato-Tainui CEO Donna Flavell says the scholarship provides an opportunity for law students to make the most of the strong relationships Waikato-Tainui have with their partners Simpson Grierson and the University of Waikato. “We’re looking forward to seeing how the scholarship and internship gives tribal members access to where they want to be, and empowers them to contribute to their marae, hapū and iwi,” she says.
Simpson Grierson partner Gerald Lanning encourages eligible law students to apply for the scholarship. “Investing in the future potential of young people has long been a focus for our firm’s community initiatives,” he says. “It’s an honour to work alongside Waikato-Tainui in offering this scholarship to their rangatahi.”
Applications for the scholarship close on 31 August 2018.
Simpson Grierson is also launching a two-week work experience programme, separate from the scholarship, which offers Waikato-Tainui tribal members studying at any New Zealand law school the opportunity to gain work experience at the firm. One student will be selected to join each of Simpson Grierson’s Auckland and Wellington offices annually. The work experience programme will include a travel and accommodation allowance to the amount of $500 per student. Applications for the work experience programme also close on 31 August 2018.