Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Peter, Joan and Kay Dean Reporoa Educational Past Pupils Award provides funding to former Reporoa College students who want to retrain, upskill, pursue further education, or undertake personal development opportunities in New Zealand. The award supports study at universities, polytechnics, private training providers, apprenticeships, and practical skills training that can help young people achieve their educational and career goals.
Applicants must be aged 16–25, have attended Reporoa College, be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, and currently reside or have previously lived in the Rotorua or Taupo District.
What is the Peter, Joan and Kay Dean Reporoa Educational Past Pupils Award?
The Peter, Joan and Kay Dean Reporoa Educational Past Pupils Award is an educational funding opportunity designed to help former students of Reporoa College continue their learning journey through further education, vocational training, apprenticeships, and personal development programs.
The award aims to empower young people by supporting opportunities that can significantly improve their future prospects, career pathways, life skills, and overall personal development.
Award Objectives
The award seeks to:
- Support educational advancement and lifelong learning
- Help young people retrain or gain new skills
- Encourage career development and employment opportunities
- Promote personal growth and self-development
- Assist former Reporoa College students in achieving their full potential
- Reduce financial barriers to education and training
Funding Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Name | Peter, Joan and Kay Dean Reporoa Educational Past Pupils Award |
| Location | New Zealand |
| Eligible Applicants | Former Reporoa College Students |
| Age Requirement | 16–25 Years |
| Citizenship Requirement | New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident |
| Eligible Areas | Rotorua District or Taupo District |
| Funding Purpose | Education, Training, Apprenticeships, Personal Development |
What Can the Funding Be Used For?
Funding may be used for a wide range of educational and training purposes.
University Study
Eligible costs may include study at recognized New Zealand universities.
Polytechnic Education
Applicants may use funding for courses offered through polytechnics and tertiary education institutions.
Private Training Providers
Training programs delivered by accredited private providers within New Zealand are eligible.
Apprenticeship Costs
The award can help cover costs associated with:
Practical Skills Training
Funding may support:
- Work-readiness training
- Professional skills development
- Industry-specific qualifications
- Technical training
Life Skills and Personal Development
The award also supports:
- Leadership programs
- Personal growth initiatives
- Confidence-building courses
- Life skills training
- Development opportunities that improve future outcomes
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements.
Education Requirement
Applicants must have attended Reporoa College for all or part of their secondary school education.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be between:
- 16 and 25 years of age as of 1 January in the application year
Location Requirement
Applicants must:
- Currently live in the Rotorua District or Taupo District, or
- Have previously lived in either district
Citizenship Requirement
Applicants must be:
- New Zealand citizens, or
- New Zealand permanent residents
Purpose Requirement
Applicants must be seeking to:
- Retrain
- Upskill
- Continue education
- Undertake personal development activities
Required Application Information
Applications should include:
Purpose Statement
A clear explanation of:
- The educational or training activity
- Why funding is needed
- Expected benefits and outcomes
Bank Account Verification
Applicants must provide proof or verification of their bank account details.
Supporting Documents
Applicants may submit additional information that strengthens their application, such as:
- Course details
- Acceptance letters
- Training information
- References
- Personal statements
Important Funding Conditions
Applicants should be aware of the following conditions.
No Pre-Approved Expenses
Activities, courses, or expenses must not begin before funding decisions are announced.
Costs incurred before approval are generally not eligible.
Use of Funds
Funding must be used solely for the approved charitable and educational purpose.
Timeframe for Use
Recipients are expected to use awarded funds within:
- 12 months of receiving the grant
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed and assessed by the Geyser Community Foundation.
Assessment Criteria
Reviewers may consider:
- Educational goals
- Potential impact on the applicant’s future
- Relevance of the proposed activity
- Applicant circumstances
- Quality of application information
Final Decisions
All funding decisions are final.
No correspondence or appeals will be entered into regarding the outcome.
Recipient Responsibilities
Successful applicants may be required to fulfill several obligations.
Participation in Interviews and Promotion
Recipients may be invited to:
- Participate in interviews
- Share their experiences
- Contribute to promotional activities agreed upon with the donors
Use of Award Information
The Foundation may use information about:
- The recipient
- The funded activity
- Award outcomes
for promotional and reporting purposes.
Progress Reporting
Recipients must submit a written report within:
- Six months of receiving the funding
The report should explain:
- How the funding was used
- Activities completed
- Outcomes achieved
- Impact on personal development, education, or career progression
Why This Award Matters
Many young people face financial challenges when pursuing education, vocational training, or personal development opportunities.
This award helps:
- Increase access to education
- Support career advancement
- Encourage lifelong learning
- Build practical and professional skills
- Create better employment opportunities
- Empower young people to achieve their goals
By investing in former Reporoa College students, the award contributes to stronger communities and future workforce development.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure you meet all age, residency, citizenship, and education requirements.
Step 2: Choose Your Educational or Training Opportunity
Identify the course, apprenticeship, program, or development activity you wish to pursue.
Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents
Gather:
- Purpose statement
- Bank account verification
- Supporting evidence
- Course or training details
Step 4: Complete the Application
Provide all required information accurately and completely.
Step 5: Submit Before Starting the Activity
Do not begin the funded activity or incur costs before the funding decision is made.
Step 6: Await Assessment
Applications will be reviewed by the Geyser Community Foundation.
Step 7: Fulfil Reporting Requirements
Successful recipients must submit a written impact report within six months of receiving the award.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common issues:
- Applying without meeting eligibility requirements
- Providing incomplete information
- Failing to explain how the funding will help achieve goals
- Missing bank account verification documents
- Starting a course before funding approval
- Not submitting supporting evidence
- Overlooking reporting obligations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the award?
Former Reporoa College students aged 16–25 who are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents and have lived in the Rotorua or Taupo District.
2. Can funding be used for apprenticeships?
Yes. Apprenticeship-related study and training costs are eligible.
3. Are personal development courses eligible?
Yes. Practical skills, life skills, leadership, and personal development programs may be supported.
4. Can I apply if I attended Reporoa College for only part of my secondary education?
Yes. Applicants who attended Reporoa College for all or part of their secondary education are eligible.
5. Can I start my course before receiving approval?
No. Activities and costs should not commence before funding decisions are made.
6. Who selects the successful applicants?
The Geyser Community Foundation assesses applications and makes final funding decisions.
7. Is reporting required after receiving funding?
Yes. Recipients must submit a written report within six months explaining how the funding was used and its impact.
Conclusion
The Peter, Joan and Kay Dean Reporoa Educational Past Pupils Award provides valuable support for former Reporoa College students who wish to pursue further education, vocational training, apprenticeships, or personal development opportunities. By helping young people retrain, gain new skills, and achieve their educational goals, the award creates opportunities for personal growth, career advancement, and long-term success.
For more information, visit Geyser Community Foundation.