Wanganui branch of National Council of Women launches Wynne Costley Research Scholarship

Wynne Costley encouraged women to succeed in society.

A scholarship that celebrates women's contribution to society has been established to mark the 125th anniversary of women's suffrage in New Zealand.

The Wanganui Branch of National Council of Women New Zealand (NCWNZ Wanganui) has set up The Wynne Costley Research Scholarship, a literary research scholarship open to intermediate and secondary school students in the Whanganui region, with monetary prizes for junior and senior categories.

Wynne Costley, a longtime member of NCWNZ Wanganui, had an interest in the wellbeing of women and a desire to encourage them to succeed in society.

After graduating MA with honours in English and Latin from Victoria University, she pursued a career in education and believed strongly in encouraging students to aim high academically.

"A literary research scholarship named for a former member of our branch, who was a staunch advocate for women and a very generous supporter of many community groups in Wanganui, is a fitting way for our members to recognise the 125th anniversary of women's suffrage," NCWNZ Wanganui president Jenny Saywood said.

The scholarship is open to students who have completed a research assignment on a New Zealand woman (or women) who has contributed, or is still contributing, in a distinctly definable way to society.

The assignment is intended to fit into NCEA subjects and the school curriculum, with a junior category for Years 8–10 and a senior category for Years 11–13.

Information has been sent to schools throughout the wider Whanganui area. The deadline for submissions is August 24 and the award ceremony will be held in October.

NCWNZ Wanganui is also planning a display to honour Whanganui women who have made a significant contribution to the community in the past 125 years.

Mrs Saywood said many of the women had been members of NCWNZ but they were not widely known "and their efforts have rarely, if ever, been acknowledged".

"Our members are currently researching these women," Mrs Saywood said.

"We will honour them by mounting a display in conjunction with the function planned for October when the scholarship winners are announced."