HOROWHENUA, 31 July 2026
Students from Horowhenua who are preparing to begin tertiary study in 2027, or continue their existing studies next year, are being encouraged to apply for the Horowhenua District Council Tertiary Education Scholarship.
Applications opened on Friday, 31 July 2026, with the successful applicant set to receive $1,000 towards tertiary study fees and the opportunity to complete up to 10 weeks of paid work experience with Horowhenua District Council during the 2026 to 2027 summer break.
The scholarship is aimed at local students interested in gaining practical experience and learning more about the wide range of career opportunities available in local government.
Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 30 August 2026.
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Who can apply?
The scholarship is open to students who can answer yes to both of the following questions:
| Eligibility requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Do you live in or are you from Horowhenua? | Applicants must have a genuine connection to the district |
| Will you begin or continue tertiary study in 2027? | Applicants may be school leavers or students already studying |
The qualification can be in a range of fields, reflecting the broad variety of work undertaken by councils.
Local government careers are not limited to traditional administration roles. Councils employ people across infrastructure, engineering, communications, finance, planning, environmental management, community development, information technology, customer service, policy, parks and recreation.
The paid placement gives the successful student an opportunity to see how those roles work together and how council decisions affect everyday life across the district.
Scholarship combines financial help with work experience
The successful applicant will receive:
- $1,000 towards tertiary study fees
- Up to 10 weeks of paid holiday work experience at Horowhenua District Council
For students facing rising study and living costs, the financial contribution may help with course fees, textbooks, equipment, transport or other education-related expenses.
However, the paid work experience may prove equally valuable.
Students often find it difficult to gain professional experience before completing a qualification, particularly in smaller communities where opportunities can be limited.
A summer placement can help a student build confidence, develop workplace skills and gain experience to include on future job applications.
It may also help the recipient understand how their field of study connects with real projects and community outcomes.
Council investing in local talent
Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden said the scholarship was one way the council could support local young people while helping them remain connected to their home district.
“Our rangatahi have so much to offer Horowhenua, and this scholarship is about supporting them to achieve their goals while encouraging them to stay connected with their community,” Mayor Wanden said.
Many students leave smaller districts to study in larger centres. While that can provide valuable academic and personal opportunities, councils and local employers also face the challenge of keeping young people connected to the regions they come from.
By offering both financial support and paid employment, the scholarship creates a pathway for students to return to Horowhenua during the summer and gain meaningful professional experience.
That connection may also encourage graduates to consider future employment in the district.
What students can gain from the placement
Mayor Wanden said the work experience component would give the successful applicant a clearer understanding of local government and allow them to contribute to projects affecting the wider community.
“Alongside helping with study costs, the paid work experience gives students valuable insight into local government, the opportunity to develop new skills, and the chance to contribute to projects that make a real difference for the people of Horowhenua,” he said.
Depending on the student’s interests and the council’s operational needs, the placement could involve exposure to planning, public engagement, administration, communications, infrastructure, environmental work or community programmes.
Even students who do not plan to pursue a long-term council career may gain transferable skills.
These can include teamwork, professional communication, project coordination, problem-solving, time management and working with people from different backgrounds.
Supporting pathways from education into employment
The scholarship forms part of the council’s wider effort to connect education, employment and community participation.
For many students, the transition from secondary school to tertiary education can be financially and personally challenging.
Study costs are only one part of the pressure. Students may also face accommodation expenses, transport costs and uncertainty about future employment.
Programmes that combine scholarships with paid work placements can provide more than short-term financial relief. They can help students build professional networks and understand what employers expect.
The opportunity may be particularly useful for students who have not previously worked in a professional office or public sector environment.
It also gives the council access to emerging local talent and fresh perspectives from young people with direct knowledge of the district.
Why local government needs young people
Councils across New Zealand are responsible for essential services that residents rely on every day.
These include drinking water, wastewater, roads, parks, libraries, building approvals, emergency management, waste services and local economic development.
As communities grow and technology changes, councils need people with new skills and ideas.
Young professionals can bring knowledge in areas such as digital systems, climate adaptation, data analysis, design, communications and sustainable infrastructure.
Encouraging students to explore local government careers may help councils address future workforce shortages while ensuring their teams better reflect the communities they serve.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online through the Horowhenua District Council website.
Students are encouraged to prepare their applications early rather than waiting until the final day.
Applicants should clearly explain their connection to Horowhenua, their intended course of study and why they are interested in gaining experience with the council.
They may also wish to describe their career goals, community involvement and the skills they hope to develop through the placement.
The deadline is 11.59pm on Sunday, 30 August 2026.
Further information is available from Horowhenua District Council by emailing enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz or calling 06 366 0999.
For one successful student, the scholarship will provide immediate help with study costs, practical paid experience and an early opportunity to contribute to the future of Horowhenua.
