19 March 2007

Winston Churchill 2007 Fellows Announced

Nine people have been awarded $63,000 in fellowships to travel overseas to conduct intensive investigative research, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Luamanuvao Winnie Laban announced today.

The fellowships are awarded by the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust and recipients bring back the results of their research to New Zealand to share with their own communities.

"From health research to 'green' burials, from sound-art to natural history, this year's Fellows cover a diverse and fascinating range of research topics," said Laban.

"Britain's wartime Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill strongly believed in people going overseas to develop a particular area of expertise, and returning to make a greater contribution to their community back home.

"From all parts of New Zealand, the 2007 fellows will set forth to the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia, bringing back knowledge and experience that will enrich our communities.

"These fellowships provide a wonderful opportunity for individuals to further enhance the capability, connectivity and sustainability of their own community," said Laban.

Laban said the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust has helped over 600 New Zealanders from all kinds of backgrounds undertake research overseas since it was set up in 1965.

Churchill Fellows are granted up to 80 per cent of their travel costs. They typically spend from three weeks to three months overseas.

Applications for the 2008 funding round close on July 31 2007. Application forms can be obtained from: Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, Department of Internal Affairs, PO Box 805, Wellington, Phone: 0800 824 824 or email: trusts@dia.govt.nz

See overleaf for a full list and contact details of the 2007 Winston Churchill Fellows.

List of Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellows 2007

Susan Young of Auckland will travel to the United Kingdom and the United States to research pain relief and care of terminally ill patients.

Bradley Mark of Auckland will travel to the United Kingdom and the United States to research assistance dog programmes, with the aim of further supporting New Zealand's disabled community.

Zoe Drayton of Auckland will travel to the United Kingdom, Amsterdam and the United States to research sound-art culture and experimental music, with the aim of creating international partnerships and promoting the NZ sound-art community.

Sandra Hall of Waiheke Island will research Australia's Mental Health First Aid Program, an innovate programme which educates the public about mental health problems and symptoms, and provides 'First Aid' care in the event of a crisis.

Sarah Gibb of Turangi, director of the Tongariro Natural History Society, will research and network with natural history societies in the United States.

Stephanie McIntyre of Wellington will travel to the United Kingdom, Ireland and United States to research 'wet' houses for relapsing alcoholics.

Carol Wrathall of Wellington will travel to Canada to study indigenous models of whänau/family violence prevention.

Lynda Hannah of Motueka will travel to the United Kingdom and Ireland to research the natural funeral movement, with an emphasis on "green" burials or woodland burial grounds.

Lucy Mayelyn Schieffelbien of Dunedin will travel to the United States to research poison prevention and education programmes.

ENDS

© Scoop Media