What are the details of this new programme?
Heartland Bank, in collaboration with the University of Auckland, has launched the Geoff Ricketts Heartland Bank Scholarship to honour the memory of Geoff Ricketts, a founding director of the bank and long-time chair of the University of Auckland Foundation. This new scholarship initiative aims to support up to four students each year who face financial challenges and may otherwise be unable to pursue a university degree, according to a news release.
The scholarship is open to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents entering the first year of an undergraduate program in the faculties of Business and Economics, Law, or Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Auckland. Each recipient will receive up to $10,000 per annum for a maximum of three years to help with living expenses or tuition fees.
University of Auckland vice-chancellor professor Dawn Freshwater expressed gratitude for the scholarship, highlighting Ricketts’ significant contributions to the university. “Geoff was a proud alumnus of the University of Auckland Law School and the inaugural chair of the University’s Foundation. This scholarship continues the legacy of a long-standing and generous supporter who was passionate about education,” Freshwater said.
Bruce Irvine, chair of Heartland Bank and the Heartland Trust, also praised the initiative. “With funds provided by the Heartland Trust, Heartland Bank is extremely proud to fund this prestigious scholarship, which honours the late Geoff Ricketts. His devotion to the University of Auckland and his passion for ensuring young New Zealanders have opportunities to succeed,” Irvine said.
Geoff Ricketts’ involvement with Heartland Bank extended beyond his role in business governance, the news release noted. He was a prominent supporter of community and philanthropic efforts, chairing the Heartland Trust until his passing. The Trust, an independent charitable entity closely supported by Heartland Bank, will fund the scholarship. Its mission includes advancing education and supporting various community causes across New Zealand.
The Geoff Ricketts Heartland Bank Scholarship will open for applications on August 29, 2024, with the deadline set for October 10, 2024.
Heartland Bank, established in Ashburton in 1875, is a New Zealand-operated institution offering banking products including savings accounts, reverse mortgages, and business loans. Its parent company, Heartland Group Holdings Limited, operates in both New Zealand and Australia and is listed on the New Zealand and Australian stock exchanges.
Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, is a top-ranked university in New Zealand and one of the large research institutions in the country. It serves over 46,000 students across eight faculties and two major research institutes. The university highlights sustainability, health, justice, and ethical innovation through its research and collaborative efforts.
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