Media release 3 June 2016 – Three Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) recipients were named for NZ King Salmon’s annual aquaculture sponsorship award for 2016. Announced were students Reuben Jane, Jesse Barker and Russell Adams. These three recipients were acknowledged this year for showing real promise in their studies and whom NZKS believe will go on to be great assets to the New Zealand aquaculture industry.
The NZKS scholarship is structured to support students financially with their course fees as well as enable them to enhance their understanding of the aquaculture industry. Run during the semester breaks, paid work can also be offered to recipients to gain the necessary practical skills and knowledge to broaden their learning whilst at NMIT. The support from local businesses, like NZKS, NMIT Director of Marketing and International Development Virginia Watson says, it is fundamental to retaining high performing students who might otherwise leave to study elsewhere.
Upholding a strong sense of community support, New Zealand King Salmon Environmental Compliance Manager Mark Gillard said the company was providing the scholarship to give back to the community and to give keen students, such as these, the opportunity to study without having to worry so much about where the money is coming from.
“It is a great cause and one we are proud of,” he says.
Background of the NMIT Diploma in Aquaculture
NMIT offers the country’s first and only Diploma in Aquaculture. Launched in 2010, the first students graduated from the two-year programme in 2012. Graduates are now working for companies such as New Zealand King Salmon, the Cawthron Institute, oyster and salmon farms in Australia and the Pacific, Mt Cook Alpine Salmon, Ministry of Primary Industries, NIWA, Sealord, Kono and Plant and Food Research. Many had secured work before they had even finished studying.
or further information about NMIT’s aquaculture programmes, visit http://www.nmit.ac.nz/programmes-and-courses/a-z-of-study-areas/aquaculture/
For further information about the scholarships, contact:
Dr Mark Burdass
NMIT Aquaculture Programme Co-ordinator
Ph: 03 546 9175 (ext. 328) or 027 246 1325
E: mark.burdass@kingsalmon.xyznmit.ac.nz