Scholarship to help Coast students turn dreams into reality

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Studying at the University of Waikato has become a lot more accessible for students in the East Coast region of Te Kaha to Te Araroa, thanks to the new Frank and Alma Kemp Scholarship.

Valued at up to $20,000 ($5000 a year for up to four years), the scholarship will contribute to recipients’ accommodation, course-related costs and tuition fees.

The scholarship was named after Frank and Alma Kemp, who were dedicated to providing educational opportunities for their own children and others in the community.

It was funded by their daughter Liz Kemp, driven by her desire to give others a chance to make their career dreams a reality.

“My parents were very passionate about education and gave us the very best, even when they couldn’t really afford it,” Liz says.

“They also helped many people in our neighbourhood access boarding school opportunities, who would otherwise have missed out.”

After leaving high school, Liz moved to Australia, but she never forgot her East Coast roots.

“A big part of me belongs on the Coast, especially the farm I was bought up on at Cape Runaway.

“I wanted to support students from that area.”

“I’m really looking forward to keeping in touch with the scholarship winners, both during their time at university and once they have left.

“All of the children who my parents helped have gone on to lead fulfilling lives, with opportunities they wouldn’t have had otherwise — it’s great to see.”

Students from specific high schools will be eligible, particularly those with strong academic ability, leadership, community spirit, and motivation to study. The scholarship will be awarded to one new student each year.

Applications for the Frank and Alma Kemp Scholarship close on Monday, October 15.

To be eligible, a candidate must be a New Zealand citizen currently studying at NCEA level 3 (or equivalent) at one of the following high schools and live in the East Coast region of Te Kaha to Te Araroa.

The schools are Gisborne Girls’ High School, Gisborne Boys’ High School, Lytton High School, Tolaga Bay Area School, Ngata Memorial College, Te Kura o Te Whanau Apanui and Te Waha o Rerekohu Area School.