Mary Sutherland Forestry Scholarship NZ | Forest and Wood Foundation

Mary Sutherland Scholarship

A scholarship supporting forestry and forestry related study at a New Zealand polytechnic.

Dates

Applications open:
15th April 2026

Applications close:
5th June 2026

Outcome advised:
3 July 2026

Scholarship Value

One scholarship of $2,000.00

Awarded annually, subject to suitable applications.

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Application Information

Application Form

Eligibility

You can apply if you are:

Enrolled in a forestry or forestry related course at a New Zealand polytechnic.
Able to provide evidence of enrolment for the study period covered by the application.

What you need to do

Complete the online application form.
Upload your supporting documents (see below).
Submit by the closing date listed above.

What to include with your application

Academic record or transcript.
A brief summary of your background and your forestry aspirations.
Any additional information that supports your application and clearly explains your ideas and goals.

How applications are assessed

Applications are considered against:

Academic record.
Student background and forestry aspirations.
The research project being undertaken.
Clarity, presentation, and communication of ideas.

Terms of payment

The award is up to $2,000.

While stocks last, awardees will receive a copy of
Vivien Edwards’ biography of Mary Sutherland.

Payment will be arranged with the successful applicant after selection.

Background information

When the NZIF Foundation was established by the New Zealand Institute of Forestry in December 2011, the Trustees agreed to take over the Mary Sutherland Scholarship.

Mary Sutherland was the first woman forestry graduate from a British Commonwealth University, gaining her BSc in forestry at Bangor University, North Wales. She emigrated to New Zealand and was appointed to the Forest Service in 1925. Mary was a founding member of the Institute of Forestry in 1927 and served on the Council, including a term as Vice President. She also designed the Institute’s rimu and mountain logo, still in use today.