Apply for 2024

Online applications are welcomed for post-graduate study or research projects for the 2024 academic year. Please contact the administrator with any questions. Applications MUST be received on or before Monday 31st July.

Changes to the application process in 2020

Applicants for the 2021 academic year will only be able to apply for funding electronically. With the restrictions put in place due to fighting the Covid-19 virus and the lack of access to printers or postal service for most people, it is a timely change. This will ensure that anyone wishing to apply for a scholarship or research grant can do so. Applications for the 2021 academic year close on July 31st.

Legacy to five locals

Five local people have been awarded scholarships from the Vic Davis Memorial Trust, supporting their 2019 study in the field of mental health. Jesse Wood, who was born and raised in Whakatane, received the scholarship to support him as he studies for his Master’s in forensic psychology, on his pathway to becoming a qualified clinical psychologist.

“This funding is an amazing thing to be awarded and I am very grateful to receive this scholarship. As a result of this funding, I will be able to work full-time academically, and not need to work in a part-time job,” he said.

Another scholarship recipient, Noema Arnold, was also born and raised in Whakatane. She is currently nursing in Tauranga, in the Mental Health service, primarily with young adults. Her 2019 study is for her first year of her Master of Nursing, specialising in Mental Health, through the University of Auckland, which she says has been “a dream of mine because, As a young Maori nurse, I recognise the importance of addressing the rising mental health issues within Aotearoa specifically for our youth and young adults within the Eastern Bay of Plenty.”

Kimberley McClure has lived and worked in the Eastern Bay of Plenty since 1997 and is a specialist social worker in the Child Development Service at Whakatane Hospital. The Vic Davis Trust is pleased to support Kimberley’s 2019 study for the Post graduate Certificate in Health Sciences in Addiction and Co-existing Disorders through the University of Otago. Once she has completed this training Kimberley is interested in establishing a project that addresses early intervention and support for pregnant women who have substance misuse problems.

Melissa Adam’s family is from Galatea and, following a career in the police force, she has been studying for her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology through University of Auckland. “Many of the young people that I worked with in youth offending had terrible stories of neglect and abuse,” she says. “I hope that my research will contribute considerable improvements in dealing with sex offenders with the overall aim of increased protection and safety.”

Jan Hudson works as a counsellor/psychotherapist in Whakatane and has also worked as a palliative care nurse for Hospice. She has lived in Whakatane since 1979 where, with her late husband, she raised her children. Jan’s scholarship is to support her Level Two study through the Centre for Self-Leadership (USA) for the Internal Family Systems Psychotherapy programme, a cutting-edge psychotherapy approach which is widely used internationally. “I believe that IFS therapy meets a need in the Eastern Bay of Plenty which benefits clients in a unique way. I am very grateful to be able to develop my skills to enable clients to heal and live well.”

Other recipients of funds for the 2019 year were Rebekah Doherty, from Gisborne, Taylor-Jane Cox who is studying at the University of Canterbury, and Professor Julia Rucklidge, also of the University of Canterbury. The key purpose of the Vic Davis Memorial Trust is to support individuals and organisations, in the Bay and across the country, in their study and research in the field of mental health. “Vic was somewhat ahead of his time in his concern that study and research into mental health issues be supported and his legacy provides an excellent opportunity for people studying in that field,” said Trust chairperson Jude Wilson.

Applications are considered once, annually, with applications closing on the 31st July each year. Full details of the application process, the criteria and the application forms are available on the Trust website: www.vicdavistrust.co.nz .

Applications will only be accepted on the application forms provided on the website and all queries with regard to the criteria or process should be emailed to: administrator@vicdavistrust.co.nz

Local funding support for those studying or researching in the field of Mental Health

Mental Health challenges are often highlighted in our media so it’s good to know that there is support

available for those studying in this field. Previously a long-time resident of Ohope, Vic Davis’s commitment

to supporting others endures past his lifetime through the charitable trust he established: The Vic Davis

Memorial Trust.

The key purpose of the Vic Davis Memorial Trust is to support individuals and organisations, in the Bay and

across the country, in their study and research in the field of mental health. Vic was somewhat ahead of

his time in his concern that study and research into mental health issues be supported and his legacy

provides an excellent opportunity for people studying in that field.

Since its inception in 2009, thirty five tertiary students or researchers have received funds from the trust,

totalling $555,000. 14 of those recipients were awarded Vic Davis Trust scholarships or grants more than

once. Those receiving study scholarships ranged from undergraduate through to post-graduate level.

“The Vic Davis Trust provides a fantastic opportunity to tertiary students within the Bay of Plenty,” said

Trust chairperson Jude Wilson “While scholarships are not limited to those from the Bay, those with

strong Eastern Bay connections do have a slight advantage, in keeping with Vic’s wishes,” she added. “So

spread the word and make sure those who might be eligible do know about the opportunity.” Applications

from organisations undertaking research in the field of mental health are also considered.

Applications are considered once, annually, with applications closing on the 31st July each year. Full

details of the application process, the criteria and the application forms are available on the Trust website:

www.vicdavistrust.org . Applications will only be accepted on the application forms provided on the

website and all queries with regard to the criteria or process should be emailed to:

admin@vicdavistrust.org

Additional grants have been made from the Vic Davis Memorial Trust to assist Rotary exchange students.

What a Legacy!

Previously a long-time resident of Ohope, Vic Davis’s commitment to supporting others endures past his
lifetime through the charitable trust he established: The Vic Davis Memorial Trust.

The key purpose of the Vic Davis Memorial Trust is to support individuals, particularly those from the

Eastern Bay of Plenty, and organisations across the country, in their study and research in the field of

mental health. Vic was somewhat ahead of his time in his concern that study and research into mental

health issues be supported this has turned into an excellent opportunity for people studying in that field,

who have Eastern Bay connections.

Since its inception in 2009, twenty three tertiary students with strong connections to the Eastern Bay of

Plenty have received funds, totalling $265,000. 11 of those recipients were awarded Vic Davis Trust

scholarships more than once. Their study ranged from undergraduate through to post-graduate level.

Local recipients for the 2018 academic year are:

Jan Hudson – Post-graduate psychotherapy study

Ruth Papuni - 3 rd year of study for a Bachelor of Addiction Studies

Julia Wikeepa – 3 rd year of study for a Bachelor of Social Sciences

Hollie Oswald – Post-graduate study in the Masters of Social Work programme

Jesse Wood – Post-graduate study in Psychology

Rebekah Doherty – study in the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery programme

Jessica Steadman – 3 rd year of post-graduate study for a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

“The Vic Davis Trust provides a fantastic opportunity to tertiary students within the Eastern Bay of Plenty,”

said Trust chairperson Jude Wilson “While scholarships are not limited to those from the Bay, those with

strong Eastern Bay connections do have a slight advantage, in keeping with Vic’s wishes,” she added. “So

spread the word and make sure those who might be eligible do know about the opportunity.”

Applications are considered once, annually, with applications closing on the 31st July each year. Full

details of the application process, the criteria and the application forms are available on the Trust website:

www.vicdavistrust.co.nz . Applications will only be accepted on the application forms provided on the

website and all queries with regard to the criteria or process should be emailed to:

administrator@vicdavistrust.co.nz

Additional grants have been made from the Vic Davis Memorial Trust to assist Rotary exchange students.

Vic's Legacy Lives On

Previously a long-time resident of Ohope, Vic Davis’s commitment to supporting others endures past his lifetime through the charitable trust he established: The Vic Davis Memorial Trust.

To date just under $200,000 has been granted to a range of beneficiaries. “I know the new learning that I have received in 2009 through the assistance of the Vic Davis Trust has been absolutely well used within my work in the community” commented recipient Harata Te Amo-Simeon.

The key purpose of the Vic Davis Memorial Trust is to support individuals and organisations in their study and research in the field of mental health. “People undertaking study and training in the field of mental health have limited access to scholarships and grants to support their work,” said Trust chairman Mike Shepherd adding, “Vic Davis established this trust as his legacy, to offer that support, particularly to people from the Eastern Bay of Plenty and to national research in the field.” Four of last year’s Bay of Plenty beneficiaries have received funding for a further year. Ohope resident Fleur MacRae continues her post graduate Play Therapy study and comments, “The financial assistance from the Trust makes this study possible for me and I am deeply grateful.” Janie de Malmanche is completing her thesis into the experience of employment of those involved in the KAI programme, an employment programme within the EBOP kiwifruit industry for those with experience of mental illness.

While Neville Gibbons’ focus is on alcohol and drug addiction counselling and his study is through the Wellington Institute of Technology

Applications For 2010 Funding within the Mental Health Field

Applications are now open for the 2010 round of funding available through the Vic Davis Memorial Trust, and those involved in study and/or research in the field of mental health are encouraged to apply.

2009 was the inaugural year for fund distribution and 11 people were recipients of funding to support them in their study and research in the 2010 academic year. “The funding from the Vic Davis Trust means I can concentrate on my course work and assignments, attend Massey’s Wellington campus courses twice a year and purchase the necessary textbooks and software, all of which would normally increase the financial stress that comes with study,” said Maakere Marr, an extramural post graduate student whose home community is Matata. “Even though I live in Auckland, this far reaching support validates a sense of still being a significant part of my home community,” she added.

Vic Davis was well known as a philanthropist with a special interest in the field of mental health and in the wellbeing of youth. His memorial trust is an ongoing expression of that keen interest and offers three categories of grants and scholarships:

  1. Scholarships at undergraduate level for individuals wishing to undertake training as a mental health practitioner
  2. Scholarships for individuals undertaking post graduate study or research
  3. Research grants for organizations researching in the field of mental health.

The fields of study the individual recipients are currently undertaking are varied. Tauranga resident Janie de Malmanche is undertaking her Masters study in occupational therapy. Her research is based on exploring the stories of employment from the perspective of people with an experience of mental illness who have been part of the local KAI programme. “Without the support from the Vic Davis Trust I don’t know if I would have been brave enough to undertake this study,” she said adding, “The funds I received have allowed me to set aside protected time to carry out my study.”

Whakatane resident Fleur MacRae endorses that sense of support. Her post graduate study specializes in play therapy and she values the fact that the funds enable her to study without impacting on her young family financially. “For this I am thankful and appreciative to Vic Davis, his family and the Vic Davis Memorial Trust.”

The 2009 recipient of a research grant was Dr Julia Rucklidge, Associate Professor in Canterbury University’s Department of Psychology. Her groundbreaking research is into the effect of micronutrients on mood and behavior in adults with ADHD. “The support from the Trust has enabled us to go full steam ahead on completing our randomized controlled study,” she explained. “The support from the Trust gives us the flexibility to respond to the public need to gain evidence either for or against the use of micronutrients in the treatment of mental health issues.”

Applications for funding for the 2011 academic year close on the 31st August and will be considered by trustees in September. Full details of the application process, the criteria for selection and all application forms are available on the Trust website: www.vicdavistrust.co.nz. Applications will only be accepted on the application forms on the website and late applications will not be considered. All queries with regard to the criteria or process should be emailed to administrator@vicdavistrust.co.nz

Philanthropist Leaves $2 Million for the Bay

OHOPE philanthropist Vic Davis has left a $2 million legacy to the people of the Eastern Bay of
Plenty.

Two-and-a-half years after the death of the well known engineer, sailor, Rotarian and community leader, the Rotary Club of Whakatane West has announced the establishment of a charitable trust in his memory.

The Vic Davis Memorial Trust, which will operate under the terms of a trust deed detailed in Mr
Davis’ will, is expected to distribute more than $100,000 a year in grants and scholarships with a focus on mental health.

Mr Davis passed away in 2004 and left the bulk of his estate in a trust with very specific charitable aims. Trust chairman Mike Shepherd said the initial fund was more than $2 million. Seventy per cent of the income generated from this would be available for distribution with the rest being reinvested to grow the fund.

The trust’s primary objective would be to assist with promotion, investigation and research into mental health - including its nature, origin, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care and cure.
It would also fund the costs and expenses of teenagers accepted for the Rotary Student
Exchange Programme.

If there were no suitable applications in either of these areas, the unused income from the trust
could be used for craftspeople training at the Waterwheel Museum.
According to those that knew him, Mr Davis’ life was one of success and he was someone able to cheerfully motivate and encourage others to great heights.
He had more than his fair share of tragedy - his son died in infancy, and his daughter in tragic
circumstances in her late teens - to which he responded by helping others facing similar
problems.

Mr Davis was born in 1921 and spent his early years in Blockhouse Bay. He began work as a
cadet with the Waitemata Power Board and then joined the New Zealand Army early in the war.
He was transferred to the navy where he served on the destroyer HMS Leander in the torpedo
and depth-charge team. His ship was torpedoed in 1943 and limped back to Tulagi in the
Solomons for repairs.
He returned to the Waitemata Power Board after the war then moved to Whakatane Board Mills as a chief electrical engineer, where he played a leading role in the expansion and updating of the mill, and training of apprentices and technicians for 30 years.
He was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Whakatane West and its second president.
Mr Davis was a well known sailor and fisherman and he designed and built a large double-ender boat which he would launch off the beach at West End Ohope in all but the wildest conditions and motor to White Island and back.

His leadership qualities were evident from three major initiatives. He mobilised the team of
trampers and skiers who formed the Whakapapa Mountain Club. He also organised a team of
local volunteers who went to outlying villages in the Fiji islands to help with the provision of power and water supplies and provide advice on sawmilling and house building.
He was also DoC’s official gannet bander on White Island and for decades he organised parties
of volunteers to travel there to carry out this task.

After his death Mr Davis’ West End home was sold at auction for $1.485 million, which was a
record for a Whakatane coastal home at the time.
The Vic Davis Memorial Trust is a completely separate entity from the Rotary Club of Whakatane West although the majority of trustees come from the club. They are chairman Mike Shepherd, vice chair Tony Bonne, secretary Rob Rowson, and trustees Karen Smith, Mark Bruce, Brian Jackson and Bruce Davis - Vic’s brother.

Applications for grants will be called for in due course.
Mr Shepherd said there were no restrictions on where applicants could come from but initially the trust would prefer applications to come from the Eastern Bay of Plenty.