2026 Bluff Community Bursary recipients named

The Bluff Community Board has chosen the recipients of its annual Bursary for 2026.

The recipients are Hannah Brown, Thaeya Hoyle, Ayla MacNaughton, Irene Fowler, Devon Te Au and Alyssa Vercoe.

Bluff Community Board Chair Ray Fife said there was a very high calibre of applicants, and spreading the funds widely would have the most meaningful impact.

“The financial support offered by the Bursary plays an important role in opening up new opportunities for the Bluff community,” he said.

“We want to support as many locals as possible to pursue higher education.”

The recipients were planning to undertake study in a range of fields, including primary education, engineering, social work, music, English and filmmaking.

“It’s inspiring to see the diverse paths that recipients are setting out on in their studies,” Fife said.

The Bluff Community Bursary is $2000 per annum for up to three years, for locals who are enrolled in or applying for full-time study at university or another agreed establishment in New Zealand.

The Bursary was established over a decade ago to facilitate higher education opportunities for the Bluff community. Applications open each year in November, with recipients selected by a panel consisting of the Board Chair and two Board members.

More information about the process can be found at icc.govt.nz/bluffbursary.