As the charitable trust that once operated the Wairarapa College hostel winds down, it leaves behind a lasting educational legacy through a new agricultural scholarship. Masterton Trust Lands Trust (MTLT) will manage this exciting initiative, designed to support Wairarapa College agriculture students.
Scholarship Awarded to Top Wairarapa College Agriculture Student
Each year, Wairarapa College will recommend a top-performing agriculture student to receive the scholarship. The first recipient of this prestigious award is Abi Gibb, chosen by the school’s principal, Matt White, and Head of Agriculture, Dan Grace.
Abi Gibb’s Path to Lincoln University
Abi Gibb will soon begin her Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) at Lincoln University. She expressed her gratitude for the scholarship, saying, “It’s been so good to have been chosen for this scholarship. Going to Uni is a big investment, so the money will help to pay some of my course fees.”
Abi will receive $1,000 in her first year, with a total of $3,000 over three years to help cover her course fees and other educational expenses.
Abi credits much of her success to the education she received at Wairarapa College Farm. She described the school’s farm as “really good,” saying, “Everything is set up for you – from the teachers to the supportive environment. I learned heaps there.”
Abi is passionate about farming and enjoys the physical nature of the work, especially the outdoor environment and the satisfaction of seeing the results of her efforts. She shared this advice for future scholarship applicants: “Having good relationships, getting involved, and having drive.”
Ensuring the Legacy of Poto College House Trust
MTLT Chair Christine Brewster proudly presented Abi with the scholarship, noting, “We’re proud to be able to carry on Poto College House Trust’s aspiration to advance education for Wairarapa College students.”
Chrissina Loader, Chair of the Poto College House Trust added, “This agricultural scholarship means the legacy of Poto College House will live on, in a very tangible way.”
While the winding down of the Poto College House Trust marks the end of an era for Wairarapa College’s 100-year-old hostel, the new agricultural scholarship ensures the educational aspirations of the trust will endure. The funds distributed to MTLT signal a fresh commitment to supporting agricultural education in Wairarapa.
For more about MTLT scholarships click here.
Pictured (left to right): Sharon Parker -Poto College House Trust, scholarship recipient Abi Gibb, and Christine Brewster (MTLT Chair).