Education grants and scholarships for Hauraki Plains College students

The Trust partners with Hauraki Plains College each year to support Year 13 leavers as they take their next step — into study, training, an apprenticeship or work.

What’s on offer

Education Grants — around six awarded each year, $2,000 each, spread across a range of disciplines (agriculture; arts, history & politics; business & commerce; general industry & professions; health, education & social; and science & technology). For students with genuine passion, a clear plan, and a real financial barrier to getting there.
Agriculture Scholarship — one per year, $3,000, for a student excelling in agriculture or horticulture and heading into that sector.
Business Scholarship — one per year, $3,000, for a student with commercial drive and an entrepreneurial path in mind.
Piako Grant — awarded occasionally to a student facing genuine hardship that’s standing in the way of a study, sporting or community goal.

How to put yourself forward

Here’s the key thing to know: the process starts with a nomination from the College, not a cold application. So the best thing you can do is make your plans known early.

Talk to your Curriculum Leaders, Careers Coordinator and the College’s TTCCT coordinator during the year — they’re the ones who identify and put forward candidates.
Be ready to show a genuine passion for your field, a clear vision of your next steps, and where funding would make a real difference.
For the Agriculture and Business scholarships, the relevant Curriculum Leader is closely involved — so make sure they know your ambitions.

Roughly how the year runs

Around May, the College shares the available grants with staff and Year 13 students.
By mid-August, the College identifies prospective candidates.
Shortlisted students are then invited to submit a short application — your background, your career aspirations, and how the funding would help — and to come in for an interview.
Decisions are made later in the year, around prizegiving.

Don’t wait for the deadline to creep up. The students who do best are the ones who’ve spoken with their teachers early and can clearly explain where they’re headed and why.

Questions can go through the College, or feel free to get in touch with the Trust.