A fund for the future

Attention senior secondary school students….. The Secondary School Achievers Fund closes for applications next Monday, October 5.

If you’re thinking of applying, please visit this link to find out more. https://www.hurunui.govt.nz/community/awards-and-funding/secondary-school-achievers-fund

If you’d like a bit of inspiration, please click here to read 19 year-old’s Jack Higinbottom’s story – he’s one of last year’s Fund recipients and has had a fun and successful 2026 studying a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) at Lincoln University….

'Hi, my name is Jack Higinbottom. I am 19 years old and last year I was a recipient of the Hurunui Secondary School Achievers Fund for the 2026 year. I attended St Bede’s College and live on a farm north of Cheviot.

This year I have begun studying a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) at Lincoln University.

I have really enjoyed the start to my university experience., throughout the year I have undertaken eight different classes and loved them all. I have had good success in each class and have a good average grade going into final exams.

Outside the lecture hall I have been involved in a few other activities - I played rugby for the Lincoln University colts and ended up being in the team that won the Canterbury Metro colts competition. I had a shaky start to the rugby season with an injury that put me out of the first seven games. However, I did not let this stop me and became the manager of one of the colts teams for those games.

I am also part of the Lincoln Young Farmers club and was lucky enough to be elected onto the executive team halfway through the year with the role of Junior Vice Chair. So far, I have loved every moment of university.

I have found a great group of mates and everyone is very friendly. The social aspect of university is something I have loved as well. There is no better feeling than having a week of lectures then popping down to the Famous Grouse pub for a few cold ones with all your mates.

My plans for after university is to take a job that benefits the agricultural industry. Two jobs that have sparked my interest are stock agency and farm consultancy. Throughout the next two years, I can guide my degree in a way that will give me the skills to take on any job.

I am incredibly grateful to have received the Secondary School Achievers Fund. It was used to put towards my accommodation and school fees which took a lot of financial pressure off me, enabling me to put more focus into my study and allowed me to be able to take part in extra activities which are such an important part of university life.

This Fund creates an incredible opportunity to access higher education. University does not just leave you with a degree or diploma, but skills, experiences, mates and memories you will have for a lifetime.

To apply for this fund is to give yourself a chance to have one of the greatest experiences you will have without the worry of financial pressures. I am incredibly grateful to have been granted this Fund and encourage everyone who can, to take this opportunity.'

Jack Higinbottom.