Applications Now Open For The 2026 Churchill Fellowships
Applications are now open for the 2026 Churchill Fellowships. The Fellowships, awarded by the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust New Zealand, support people from all backgrounds and industries to undertake international research in their chosen field. With no academic qualifications required to apply, Churchill Fellowships are open to everyday New Zealanders who want to grow their knowledge and turn it into positive change.
'Churchill Fellowships provide a remarkable opportunity for Kiwis to broaden their horizons and bring back insights to benefit New Zealand,' says David Ivory, Chair of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust. 'It's about practical learning, real-world impact, and empowering individuals to drive progress in their communities and industries.'
Each year, successful applicants design their own Fellowship journey, choosing where to go, what to explore, and how it will benefit New Zealand. From trades and technology to conservation, education, arts, agriculture, and beyond, the possibilities are wide open.
Previous recipients include those who have travelled to study Dementia Villages as a model for New Zealand multi-generational living and elder care in the future, and builder Tim Boyd, who travelled to Australia, the UK and North America to learn from projects operating shared workspaces for the creative and skills sector, businesses and product manufacturing.
Grace Brown, 2025 recipient, is a neurodivergent woman with a deep passion for New Zealand Sign Language and Deaf culture. Her Fellowship will see her exploring global approaches to inclusive communication and accessibility.
Grace says, 'This Fellowship is providing me with an incredible opportunity to help break down communication barriers with technology, so Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and neurodivergent Kiwis can fully connect, learn, and thrive. This will have a lasting impact on Aotearoa's Deaf and neurodivergent communities, which is something I'm extremely passionate about.'
Since 1965, more than 900 New Zealanders have received a Churchill Fellowship, creating ripple effects of knowledge, innovation, and leadership across the country.
'We encourage anyone with a big idea and a desire to learn to apply,' says David. 'The experience is often life-changing — not only for the Fellow, but for the people and sectors they serve.'
Applications for the 2026 Churchill Fellowships are open now and close on 20 August 2025.
To find out more and apply, visit Community Matters. https://www.communitymatters.govt.nz/winston-churchill-memorial-trust-2
To find out more, visit https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/nz/about
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
3 days ago
- Scoop
National War Memorial Awarded Status Of National Historic Landmark
"I am delighted to announce that the National War Memorial at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park has been made a National Historic Landmark of Aotearoa New Zealand," says Secretary for Culture and Heritage Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae. "Receiving this recognition for our country's National War Memorial is incredibly significant, and it is only the second place in New Zealand to receive Landmark status. "The National War Memorial is central to Pukeahu and the story of Aotearoa New Zealand. It speaks to the service and sacrifice made by New Zealanders in efforts to create peace for the future. "The Carillon Tower is currently being seismically strengthened so that it is preserved and protected for present and future generations of New Zealanders to enjoy," says Leauanae. The National Historic Landmark status is awarded by the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage with support from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. The programme celebrates and safeguards our key national sites so everyone can appreciate their stories and significance for generations to come. National Historic Landmarks are places of outstanding national heritage value that tell the stories of who we are as New Zealanders. "As the agency that administers the programme, we are proud to formally recognise the National War Memorial in this way. This status reflects the memorial's profound significance to our national heritage, speaking to the sacrifice, resilience and evolving identity of our nation" says Chief Executive Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Andrew Coleman. "This recognition is the result of a comprehensive and inclusive process, with strong stakeholder and public support from across the motu. "We thank all those who took part in shaping this important decision - it's a landmark moment, not just for the National War Memorial, but for the people of New Zealand," says Coleman. A formal dedication at the National War Memorial will be made when the building reopens after its seismic strengthening work is complete. Notes: The National Historic Landmark programme: National Historic Landmarks are places of outstanding national heritage value that tell the stories of who we are as New Zealanders. To become a Landmark, places must already be recognised on the New Zealand Heritage List Rārangi Kōrero and meet the criteria as a significant national heritage site, demonstrating outstanding historical, physical, and/or cultural importance, and have wide public support for the status. Demonstrated commitment to risk preparedness and protection mechanisms are crucial for achieving this top-tier recognition, with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga staff working with site owners to ensure a risk management plan is in place providing special consideration during emergencies. Te Pitowhenua/Waitangi Treaty Grounds was named as the first National Historic Landmark in 2019. Read more information on the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga website:
NZ Herald
3 days ago
- NZ Herald
NZ Top Dog Awards 2025: 20-year-old retired farm dog Fudge from Westport a finalist
'She's still got that sparkle in her eye.' McFadyen said Fudge used to visit the rest home next door to her farm. 'When the farmer retired, Fudge moved into the rest home.' She said Fudge liked to check on all the residents in the morning and help to pick up the day stay residents. 'Fudge also encourages the residents to go walking outside,' she said. 'She keeps an eye on the care staff. She always introduces herself to new residents and makes them feel at home. 'Everyone is always pleased to see her.' Although Fudge was 20, McFadyen said she could still 'act like a goofball'. 'Occasionally, she manages pest control. She chooses to do it!' McFadyen said Fudge sometimes helped families interact with each other, and residents always brightened up and smiled when she walked in. 'She helps make the place feel like home.' Meanwhile, Boss the German Shepherd from Invercargill is also in the running for the title. Boss is New Zealand's only canine trained specifically to detect flammable substances. He can detect up to nine different flammable liquids, such as petrol, diesel, and methylated spirits, which are commonly used to accelerate the development of fires. Boss works in confined spaces and wears protective boots to safeguard his paws in hazardous environments. Boss, the German Shepherd from Invercargill, is up for Top Dog with a Job. He works daily alongside his handler as an accelerant detection dog, supporting a team of forensic fire investigators. He has completed training to help protect native birds in sensitive areas like Stewart Island. Owner Murray Milne-Maresca said Boss was committed to his job but also enjoyed his downtime. 'He's a hard worker with a nose that never stops — when he's not on the job, he loves chasing a ball and swimming in the river." Kiwis love their dogs at work New research from Frog Recruitment found that 62% of New Zealand dog owners say they would be willing to take a 5% pay cut if it meant bringing their dog to work. The 2025 poll of 1065 workers also revealed that, in a tougher economic climate, many workplaces have scaled back dog-friendly perks, with some employees admitting they'd rather have dogs in the office than free snacks, such as communal fruit bowls. Shannon Barlow, managing director of Frog Recruitment, said the results highlighted the special bond between Kiwis and their dogs who accompany them to work. 'Dogs make a tangible difference to workplace culture,' Barlow said. 'They help people relax, connect, and focus — things that are invaluable in any team." NZ Top Dog Awards Frog Recruitment's NZ Top Dog Awards shine a spotlight on dogs who bring joy, support, and wellbeing to Kiwi workplaces and communities. The awards are split into three categories: Top Office Dog, Top Dog with a Job, and People's Choice. Dogs from all over New Zealand are nominated, and the top 20 finalists are selected nationally, with one overall winner chosen per category. After eight weeks of nominations, the 2025 NZ Top Dog South Island finalists have been named across three categories. Winners of all three categories will be announced at the NZ Top Dog Awards ceremony on August 28, at 12.30 pm, streaming live on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, X, and Instagram. NZ Top Dog South Island 2025 finalists Top Office Dog BB the flat-coated retriever – St John Therapy Dog (Rangiora, Christchurch). Coco the French bulldog – a therapy dog that works in a primary school and Waikiri Hospital (Mosgiel, Dunedin). Izzy the Staffordshire bull terrier – Cassidy-Davies Electrical (Riccarton, Christchurch). Speights the Australian shepherd – MBIE (Burwood, Christchurch). Reggie the golden retriever – NZ Police Southern Emergency Communications & Dispatch (Christchurch). Top Dog with a Job Boss the German shepherd – TripleM Investigations Ltd (Gladstone, Invercargill). Koozer the Huntaway – Airpark Canterbury Ltd (Harewood, Christchurch). Molly the huntaway / Staffy cross – Keystone Building Ltd (Tasman, Nelson). Oakley the Staffy cross greyhound, whippet and bull mastiff – Donaldson Landscape & Earthworks (Richmond, Nelson). Fudge the Parsons terrier - a retired farm dog and now companion at O'Connor Memorial Home in Westport.
Scoop
5 days ago
- Scoop
Remembering Vietnam: National Commemoration Honours 60 Years Since First NZ Combat Troops Deployed
Vietnam Veterans' Day will be marked by a national commemoration on Monday 18 August held at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington. "Nau mai ki Pukeahu, please join us at this year's national commemoration to mark Vietnam Veterans' Day at Pukeahu," says Glenis Philip-Barbara, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage Deputy Secretary Māori Crown Partnerships. "2025 marks 60 years since 161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery arrived in Vietnam. The Battery was based in Biên Hòa air base, and attached to the US 173rd Airborne Brigade. "This year also marks 50 years since the end of Aotearoa New Zealand's involvement in the Vietnam War. "The civilian surgical team was the last unit to leave Vietnam in March 1975, followed by embassy staff who were evacuated from Saigon in April 1975," says Philip-Barbara. Thirty-nine New Zealanders lost their lives during the conflict, including two civilians serving with the Red Cross and civilian surgical team. Many others were wounded with some impacts of war continuing to affect New Zealanders and the people of Vietnam to this day. "The Vietnam War had a significant political and cultural impact for New Zealand and the world. This national commemoration is an opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifice of New Zealanders and all those impacted by the Vietnam War," says Philip-Barbara. About the event: People wishing to attend this year's commemoration are asked to arrive at the Hall of Memories at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park by 10.45am for an 11.00am start. Please note that the Carillon Tower is currently closed for seismic strengthening. The Hall of Memories was strengthened in 2015 and is safe to enter.
