Media Release
12 May 2009
$3 million given in university scholarships
: Prime Minister John Key, with baton, receives tuition in conducting from Gemma New, who last night received a
Freemasons university scholarship. Gemma, who has a Bachelor of Music from Canterbury University, will do her Masters
degree in orchestral conducting at the Peabody Institute’s Gustav Meier conducting studio in the United States.
Prime Minister John Key, last night presented 37 students with scholarships totaling $236,000 at Parliament’s Grand Hall
in Wellington on behalf of Freemasons New Zealand. The students received university or post-graduate scholarships of
either $6,000 or $10,000.
Over the last 22 years, Freemasons New Zealand has provided scholarships in excess of $3 million to nearly 887 students
at Auckland, AUT, Waikato, Massey, Victoria, Canterbury, Lincoln and Otago universities, making The Freemasons Charity
one of the country’s largest, privately-funded university scholarship programmes.
Freemasons Grand Master, Stan Barker of Christchurch, says applicants must not only be consistent A-grade students
completing their degrees, but they must also play an active role in their community.
“As Freemasons we are delighted to assist those who display excellence and encourage them to use their skills and
abilities in making our society a better place.”
“Today we have helped young people towards careers as varied as climate change science and medical research into new
HIV/AIDS and Alzheimer’s treatments and even through to orchestral conducting and researching unsafe behaviour in
aviation.
“Our scholarship recipients are all high-achieving young people who recognise the importance and involvement of
community service as well as academic success. As they will be our leaders of tomorrow, Freemasonry is honored to be
able to reward their merit and further encourage their application.
“Freemasons support education as through learning we develop tolerance and understanding which leads to a healthier
society for all, and an environment which fosters peace and harmony.
“Education is an investment in New Zealand’s future, and we are delighted to empower another 37 students with
scholarships,” says Stan Barker.
Ends