Forestry scholarships help economic growth

Ngā Karahipi Uru Rākau

Ngā Karahipi Uru Rākau are forestry scholarships that aim aim to increase diversity in the forestry sector. According to the recently released Forestry and Wood Processing Workforce Action Plan, Māori make up 22 per cent of the forestry workforce, while 17 per cent of this workforce is female.  

“We’re currently focusing the scholarships at university-level study because forestry science and forestry engineering are sections of the forestry workforce in which Māori and wāhine are under-represented,” says a Te Uru Rākau spokesperson. 

“Increasing the proportion of Māori and wāhine in forestry makes the sector more representative of New Zealand communities. It brings employment opportunities and significant economic benefits. It also means the sector gains exposure to new approaches and ways of doing things, which potentially brings significant benefits for everyone.” 

Scholarship graduates become forestry scientists, forest engineers or pursue a range of other careers in the forestry sector, which is Aotearoa’s third largest export earner. 

“Graduates can have rich careers as forestry engineers and scientists. There are great opportunities for workers to get out and about around our country, while helping improve New Zealand forestry and wood products,” he says.

Eight scholarship recipients will receive $8,000 per year for four years to help with tuition and living costs while studying forestry science degrees at the University of Canterbury – either a Bachelor of Forestry Science or Bachelor of Engineering with Honours, majoring in Forestry Engineering. Scholars will also gain experience through paid annual summer internships in the forestry sector.

“Aotearoa’s forestry industry is world-leading when it comes to research and technology. Ngā Karahipi Uru Rākau – Forestry Scholarships are helping grow the next generation of forestry professionals and scientists,” says Forestry Minister, Shane Jones.

“Forestry science will play a key role over the next few years as New Zealand recovers from the impacts of Covid-19. We need forestry professionals and scientists so we can keep our forestry industry at the cutting-edge, producing wood products that are highly sought around the world.

“This will translate to more employment opportunities and economic benefits for forestry communities around New Zealand.” 

Additional information about the scholarships is available on the Te Uru Rākau website(external link), including eligibility criteria and the application process.

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