The Kairūri Community Trust (KCT) are delighted to announce that applications for the 2026 Stirling Scholarship are now open!

This scholarship is funded by an investment in the Kairūri Trust by the family of Ian and Margaret Stirling. The Fund is for the specific purpose of providing scholarships/grants to support those seeking careers or further education in Survey and Spatial and particularly for those who have financial or other barriers to pursuing tertiary education including but not limited to socio-economic circumstance, ethnicity and gender.

The scholarship includes:

·       A $2500 cash award

·       Attendance at the 2026 S+SNZ Annual Conference including registration, travel,

and accommodation costs – www.surveyspatialconference.org (9th – 11th September, Cordis Hotel, Auckland).

·       A 5 minute presentation of the winning submission at the conference.

ELIGIBILITY

Applications are open to final year students enrolled in a Surveying, Spatial or GIS related course at a New Zealand university or other New Zealand tertiary institute who are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Selection of successful applicant will be based on the following:

·       Eligibility requirements being met

·       Information provided by the applicant including a letter stating:

        i.  why you are taking a Survey and Spatial related course or programme

       ii.  why you are applying for this scholarship

·       Submission of a short (< 1000 words) essay and/or video (< 5 minutes) sharing

your interpretation of the conference theme ‘The Next Level.’ What does it mean

to you professionally and how do you see yourself contributing to this goal?

·       Prior tertiary study results

·       Referee feedback (for shortlisted applicants).

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application form is here.

Applications are open from 16 July 2026 until 7 August 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

PRIVACY

The personal information provided in your application will be stored securely and protected against unauthorised access.

GENERAL

KCT may from time to time amend these Terms and Conditions and application information required.

These terms and conditions are governed by, and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of New Zealand.

APPLY HERE NOW