Mackey (George) Papuni Scholarship – Aratu Forests Limited
8 November 2021
Mackey (George) began working in the forestry industry in 1982 on NZ’s East Coast. During this time George mainly worked in establishment and tending (silviculture), he had great planting, chainsaw and pruning skills. He was also a foreman and crew boss for numerous forestry crews on the East Coast during this time. After 28 years of the practical work, George decided to pursue a diploma in Forest Management at the Waiariki Institute of Technology (now Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology). In October 2014 after two years of successful study, George was the successful candidate for the Forest Operations Coordinator Role at Hikurangi Forest Farms (now Aratu Forests).
Mackey (George) Papuni quickly became an integral part of Aratu’s team. He was a genuine, hardworking, very knowledgeable man, who would always be available to ‘lend a hand’ to anyone who needed it. His awesome character and work ethic made him an important staff member and friend within Aratu Forests.
Sadly, George passed away in June 2021 and to uphold his legacy within the East Coast forestry industry, and as a mark of the respect we have created this educational Scholarship to provide an opportunity for someone to follow a career in forestry.
Purpose
To support and demonstrate commitment to the development of aspiring forestry professionals from te Tairāwhiti.
Scholarship Details
- A grant of $6,000 to a person from te Tairāwhiti to assist with the costs associated with attending a forestry program at a University or Tertiary education facility.
- The grant is to be paid out in four separate installments at the start of each semester.
- A position in Aratu during holiday breaks, including the summer at the end or beginning of the grant year.
- Access to an assigned mentor from within Aratu for the period of the scholarship.
Application opens on the 1st of October 2021 and all applications must be in by the 12th of November 2021.
To find out more, click here.