2024-scholarships

Charlie Jones is a transgender man that has been involved in groups in school to help support our young LGBTQ+ tamariki. Throughout high school, he was involved in the A-Z rainbow group which met every last Friday of the month. Something really monumental for Charlie was when he helped fight for gender-neutral bathrooms at Western Springs Collage, which was a big win for people who are transgender, nonbinary and gender diverse.

Zoe is an asexual woman, who is passionate about working towards positive change for the communities around her. To her, representation and recognition of the voice of these groups that traditionally aren’t recognised is very important. This is most clear through her involvement in the 2022 Youth Parliament, where she represented queer youth in rural areas, particularly emphasising the need for access to better mental health care.

Shannon is an 18 year old queer woman from the picturesque Kāpiti Coast. Ever since she was a young child, Shannon has had an interest in plants and animals. She has a passion for biology, specifically genetics and intends on working in and contributing to that field in the future, as well as a strong interest and dedication to languages.

Matt is a proud gay man who is passionate about the rights of all LGBTQ+ people. Matt attended christian schools throughout his life and dealt with hardship along the way for being who he is. Therefore, he understands the struggles first hand LGBTQ+ people can face and realizes just how important it is for everyone to be treated equally in all environments.

Lily is a queer and Māori student with a love for the natural environment. Because of this passion, she will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science at AUT majoring in Marine and Environmental Science. Her future goals are to use her degree to make a meaningful difference in the upcoming climate crisis and help the health and conservation of New Zealand’s precious ecosystems.

Jamie is an asexual person who graduated from Albany Senior High School (ASHS) in 2023 with aspirations to be a university lecturer and theoretical physicist. They have achieved a lot in their three years at ASHS: Other than excellent academic results, they have co-founded, led, and participated in many clubs and committees, including Tabletop Club, Rainbow Committee/SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Acceptance), ASHS Shakespeare Company, and others.

Grace is a dedicated and ambitious queer individual; she is driven by a passion for leadership and learning,. Demonstrating a strong academic background and commitment to excellence, she initiated and led the LGBTQIA+ support group at her school. She also founded and led the Cromwell Youth Trust Pride Council in collaboration with her community's local youth support centre.

Eden initially navigated testing times during their attendance at a Catholic boys' school, as an openly queer student. However, as they progressed into their late high school years, they discovered a community of open-minded individuals who provided the support needed for self-acceptance. Proudly, Eden played a role in assisting younger queer students facing similar struggles in that environment.

Atlan is working towards a degree in Music Therapy, to foster strong queer communities with the help of music. His identity as a queer trans man is linked intrinsically to his career goals in helping young adults through music.