For 15 years locally owned and operated supermarket PAK'nSAVE Pukekohe has supported Franklin students through the store’s independent scholarship and now applications have opened for the 2024 fund. 

 

Worth $12,000 to a local Year 13 student who is experiencing genuine financial hardship, the scholarship allows the winner to put the funds towards studying any course at a university of their choice within New Zealand. 

 

The successful applicant is expected to be a person who contributes positively to the community of Franklin. It is important that they are well-rounded with a strong focus on supporting and giving to others locally in some capacity.

 

Pukekohe PAK'nSAVE Owner Nigel Ollett said “With things being so tough for the majority of New Zealanders, it gives me great pride to be able to assist local young adults in their studies. 

 

“We have had the most incredible candidates over the years and the caliber of young people from Franklin that apply is hugely impressive and I encourage anyone who meets the criteria to apply.” 

 

Deadlines for applications have had significant changes and been brought forward. The Scholarship applications now close during the second week of school holidays on Wednesday 9 October 2024. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to get their school reference prior to commencing school holidays. Interviews for the finalist are be held in the store in Pukekohe on Wednesday 30 October 2024 ahead of the commencement of NCEA exams. The ‘Pukekohe PAK'nSAVE Scholarship’ winner will be announced a few days later. 

 

Application forms for the 2025 PAK n SAVE Scholarship can be obtained from either PAK'nSAVE Pukekohe in the scholarship form holder on the wall behind the far end checkouts, the Pukekohe PAK n SAVE facebook page, local high school careers advisor or on the PAK'nSAVE website by visiting www.paknsave.co.nz/upper-northisland/auckland/pukekohe. Completed applications can be dropped in store at the Customer Services desk by the deadline. 

 

Previous winners of the scholarship programme include Tristan Ah-Sui and TJ Ah-Sui from Wesley College, Tyler Gillibrand from Tuakau College, Jemimah Elley from Onewhero, Hayley Thomas from Patumahoe, Alex Coleman, Grace Wilcox and Zac Butters from Pukekohe, Alice Ward-Allen from Mauku, Mau Minhinnick and Dominic Melchers from Pokeno, Adam Moss and Nivesh Nitendra from Waiuku and Doctor Hannah Gill also from Pukekohe. The recipients have studied a wide range of topics including engineering, science, business, environmental studies, medicine, law, and paramedicine. 

 

The PAK'nSAVE scholarship is open to Year 13 students who have attended Onewhero Area School, Tuakau College, Pukekohe High School, Pukekohe Christian School, Waiuku College, Wesley College, Eden Christian Academy, and ACG Strathallan College for the last five years and reside in the former Franklin District Council boundaries. It is worth up to $4000 each year for three years while the successful applicant completes their selected undergraduate studies at a university of their choice within New Zealand. 

 

The Scholarship is open to all Year 13 students who are studying towards their senior school exams, are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand and are over the age of 17 years by the 1st of October 2024. Application packs must be completed and are required to include a CV, references, a statement outlining the applicant’s financial hardship and another statement detailing their reasons for wishing to study at a New Zealand University and their proposed course of study. A birth certificate is also part of the application and NCEA results are required to be sent to the Scholarship Manager once they come out in January to prove the successful applicant has passed. 

Photo Caption: 2023 PAK'nSAVE Scholarship winner Nivesh Nitendra from Waiuku College with PAK'nSAVE Pukekohe owner Nigel Ollett, Kylie Sousa, Surinder Edwards, and Mark Ball.