The size and scope of Hawke’s Bay Foundation’s scholarship programme is growing year on year, with seven winners announced in 2024 across four scholarships.

Thanks to our generous donors, the four annual scholarships that the Foundation offers are: The Diana and Colin Crombie Scholarship, France Trust Scholarship, Barry Family and BEL Group Tertiary Study Grant and AM Bevin Scholarship. All with different criteria to support different areas of the community.

Congratulations to this year’s winners of the coveted Diana and Colin Crombie Scholarship for tertiary studies.

Year 13 Napier Girls High School student Madeleine Eccles and Napier Boys High School’s Lockie Seerden have both been selected to receive $9,000 each over three years towards their tertiary education.

Gifted through Hawke’s Bay Foundation, founders of the Fund, Napier philanthropists Colin and Diana Crombie, have been awarding the scholarships aimed at “sons and daughters of hard-working families,” for eighteen years.

“Education is the number one most useful thing you can give a child.” These wise words from Colin Crombie capture why he and Diana chose to establish their scholarship fund with us at Hawke’s Bay Foundation. It is passionate community members like Diana and Colin who help to make our scholarship programme so special – their legacy will continue to open doors for local students for generations to come.

The focus of the Crombie Scholarship isn’t just selecting a standout student, but finding a family that would benefit from the support of getting a student through university.

For Lockie Seerden who is heading to Canterbury University next year to study a Bachelor of Forestry Science, it’s an unexpected leg up.

“The Foresty science degree is only offered at the University of Canterbury and studying away from home has its expenses. This scholarship will create less of a financial burden and therefore I can focus on study and give 100 percent to the four-year degree. When I enter the workforce my student loan will be less than I anticipated, and some pressure be relieved keeping me a step ahead. I have also gained confidence in knowing that the Foundation believes I am worthy of this scholarship, another reason to push myself and achieve the highest standard possible.”

2024’s recipient of the France Trust Scholarship, Millie Allen from Woodford House had an interest sparked in studying Law from her involvement in Māori advocacy groups.

“I am planning to study a double degree in Law and Commerce at Otago University. I have had the privilege to be involved with a group of other Māori students across Aotearoa, in the ‘Youth Voices Group’ for the Children’s and Young People’s Commissioner (Mana Mokopuna). My involvement in this group has empowered me to advocate for changes and stand up for what is right.

“Receiving this scholarship has greatly impacted me. Beyond the financial support, it allows me to study, without the financial burden of a huge student loan, so I can start my academic journey without pressure.”

Fellow France Trust Scholarship winner Harleen Klair will study a  Bachelor of Commerce and Science degree majoring in Marketing and Psychology at the University of Auckland next year.

“This scholarship’s support gives me confidence and motivation to work hard knowing that others believe in my potential. It helps knowing I have support to help me achieve my goals and make the most of my education.

“My parents have been my greatest motivation to pursue higher education. Seeing their hard work in our family owned business has inspired me to aim high and create a future for myself.  To others with similar goals, I would say keep working hard to achieve your goals, always aim high and take every good opportunity that comes your way.”

Congratulations to all our 2024 winners, we wish them all the best in their studies.

HBF’s 2024 Scholarship winners are:

Diana and Colin Crombie Scholarship
NBHS – Lockie Seerden
NGHS – Madeleine Eccles

France Trust Scholarship
Hastings Girls High School – Harleen Klair
William Colenso College – Joseph Seymour
Woodford House – Millie Allen

Barry Family and BEL Group Tertiary Study Grant
Jehoshua Monegro

AM Bevin Scholarship
TBC