Nuffield New Zealand announced the new scholars for 2014 at a function in Parliament last Thursday night.
From North Canterbury sheep and beef farmer and entrepreneur Dan Shand.
From Marlborough Garlic general manager and vineyard owner John Murphy.
From Masterton sales and marketing entrepreneur Lucy Cruickshank.
Potato grower Paul Olsen from Opiki near Palmerston North.
Beef + Lamb NZ western North Island extension manager Mel Poulton from Woodville.
Their research topics are likely to cover issues such as mobile technology, the international distribution of New Zealand’s information and technology, turning good farming into big business, potato (cropping) production and the positioning of manuka and other honey off shore.
The five new scholars join more than 140 others who have been awarded Nuffield Scholarships in the past 60 years. A Nuffield Scholarship is one of New Zealand’s most valuable and prestigious awards with a limited number awarded each year, says Nuffield NZ chairman Julian Raine.
“To be awarded a Nuffield Scholarship is to be awarded a life changing experience. Nuffield New Zealand is investing in our future rural leaders.”
The Nuffield NZ Scholarship offers the opportunity for overseas travel, study of the latest developments in a number of leading agricultural countries, and provides an entrée to leaders and decision makers not accessible to the ordinary traveller.
Successful applicants have the opportunity to develop a better understanding of New Zealand and international relationships through at least four months travel.
Scholars participate in a Contemporary Scholars conference with 60 Nuffield Scholars from around the world and a six-week Global Focus Programme with an organised itinerary through several countries with other scholars.
Finally they have their own individual study programme with a research report due at the end of their travels.
