ARATU FORESTS LTD Mackey (George) Papuni Scholarship

Background

Mackey (George) began working in the forestry industry in 1982 on NZ’s East Coast. During this time George mainly worked in establishment and tending (silviculture), he had great planting, chainsaw and pruning skills. He was also a foreman and crew boss for numerous forestry crews on the East Coast during this time. After 28 years of the practical work, George decided to pursue a diploma in Forest Management at the Waiariki Institute of Technology (now Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology). In October 2014 after two years of successful study, George was the successful candidate for the Forest Operations Coordinator Role at Hikurangi Forest Farms (now Aratu Forests).

Mackey (George) Papuni quickly became an integral part of Aratu’s team. He was a genuine, hardworking, very knowledgeable man, who would always be available to ‘lend a hand’ to anyone who needed it. His awesome character and work ethic made him an important staff member and friend within Aratu Forests.

Sadly, George passed away in June 2021 and to uphold his legacy within the East Coast forestry industry, and as a mark of respect, we have created this educational Scholarship to provide an opportunity for someone to follow a career in forestry.

Purpose

To support and demonstrate commitment to the development of aspiring forestry professionals from te Tairāwhiti.

Application Process

Annual applications open on 15 October and close on 30 November.

Aratu will send an email, acknowledging receipt of the application.

Aratu will make contact when the application process has been completed.

If you have any further questions or have issues accessing the from, please email william.grogan@aratuforests.co.nz

Scholarship Details

A grant of $6,000 to a person from te Tairāwhiti to assist with the costs associated with attending a forestry program at a University or Tertiary education facility.

The grant is to be paid out in four separate installments at the start of each semester.

A position in Aratu during holiday breaks, including the summer at the end or beginning of the grant year.

Access to an assigned mentor from within Aratu for the period of the scholarship.

Applications will be assessed against the following key Criteria:

• The applicant must be already enrolled or in the process of enrolling in undergraduate forestry related programs, including but not limited to:
  • For.Sc or B.E (Forestry) at the University of Canterbury.
  • Diploma in Forest management at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology.
• Proven academic achievement.
• Strong, proven leadership potential and character.
• The potential impact / contribution the applicant can offer to te Tairāwhiti Region and the forestry sector.

Special consideration will be given to:

• Student who aspires to work in silviculture management.
• Student who has experience working in silviculture crews.
• Current silviculture worker who aspires to be enrolled in one of said programs (as above).
• Scholarship Regulations

The recipient of the scholarship will work for Aratu for at least ONE of the summer holidays associated with the scholarship year.

Aratu is not obliged to offer the scholarship if there is no candidate that meets their requirements.