Aspiring agri-leader receives scholarship

Date: 24.02.2020

Lincoln University student Ngahuia Wilson has been named the winner of this year’s Hugh Williams Memorial Scholarship

The scholarship offers $5000 per year for a student studying agriculture or horticulture at Lincoln or Massey universities for the duration of their studies. In addition, the recipient is also offered a paid holiday internship with Ravensdown.

Ngahuia Wilson

Ravensdown says it received a record number of strong scholarship applications this year. But amidst other applicants, Ngahuia’s commitment to the agri-sector, academic achievements, innovative thinking and passion shone through.

Ngahuia is currently in her second year of study at Lincoln University, where she is completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science. She is originally from Gisborne where she grew up on a sheep and beef farm.

Since beginning her degree, Ngahuia says she has developed a keen interest in soil and plant science and hopes to begin a career in the field following her studies.

"My interest in soil and plant science began last year after learning more about it in my lectures. It really opened my eyes up to all the opportunities that could come from having a career in this field. It’s an area that I can definitely see myself working in after my degree, perhaps as a nutrient manager or in the science side of seed breeding, which is really exciting," she says.

Tom Wilson

"One of the things that my studies have taught me is just how important soil quality is to farming in New Zealand. If we are going to keep growing food for the next 100 years, we must make sure our soil quality is maintained. Making improvements to our country’s soil while preventing degradation and erosion has to be a top priority."

Last year’s scholarship recipient Tom Wilson, who was in his final year of a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Massey University, is due to graduate soon.

Tom said winning the scholarship opened a whole lot of doors for him. "The financial aid from the scholarship has been very valuable and has freed up funds so I can pursue extra study. While I complete these short courses, I’ll also be in the midst of the Ravensdown development programme, which is due to start in a few weeks."

"I’m thoroughly looking forward to the next six months at Ravensdown and the opportunities that the co-operative is offering me."

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