Applications Open for Travel and Learning Awards in New Zealand

The Borrin Foundation Travel and Learning Awards provide financial support to members of the New Zealand legal community to undertake professional learning, networking, and innovative inquiry opportunities within New Zealand or internationally. The awards help legal professionals gain new knowledge, build connections, and develop skills that contribute to improving justice, innovation, and the future of the legal profession in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The programme offers up to $10,000 per recipient to support activities such as conferences, training programmes, professional exchanges, practical learning experiences, and other opportunities that strengthen legal practice and community outcomes.

About the Borrin Foundation Travel and Learning Awards

The Borrin Foundation Travel and Learning Awards are designed to support individuals working in the legal sector who want to expand their professional knowledge and bring new ideas back to New Zealand’s legal community.

The awards encourage:

• Professional development among legal practitioners.
• Knowledge sharing between New Zealand and international legal communities.
• Innovation in legal practice and justice systems.
• Development of future leaders in the legal profession.
• Learning opportunities that benefit New Zealand communities.

Funding can support both domestic and international opportunities, including virtual learning options where appropriate.

Funding Details

The programme provides financial assistance for selected applicants.

Total funding pool:

• $120,000

Number of possible awards:

• Up to 12 recipients

Maximum individual grant amount:

• Up to $10,000 per applicant

Funding can cover eligible costs related to learning and professional development activities.

What Activities Can Be Supported?

The awards support activities that provide meaningful learning, networking, or knowledge-sharing opportunities.

Eligible activities may include:

• International or domestic conferences.
• Professional training programmes.
• Legal workshops and seminars.
• Practical learning inquiries.
• Networking opportunities with legal professionals.
• Virtual conferences and online professional events.
• Knowledge exchange activities.

Supported expenses may include:

• Registration fees.
• Travel costs.
• Accommodation expenses.
• Economy-class airfares.
• Daily allowances (per diems).
• Other reasonable costs directly connected to the learning opportunity.

Who Is Eligible?

The awards are open to members of the New Zealand legal community at all career stages.

Eligible applicants include:

• Current and retired judges.
• Lawyers working in private practice.
• Lawyers working in government or public sector roles.
• Legal academics.
• Postgraduate law students.
• Other legal professionals contributing to the justice sector.

Applicants do not need:

• A practising certificate.
• A specific academic achievement record.
• A minimum number of years of professional experience.

The programme welcomes applicants who demonstrate commitment, leadership potential, and the ability to create positive change within the legal profession.

Priority Areas

Preference may be given to applicants who:

• Work in under-resourced areas of law.
• Contribute to improving access to justice.
• Work in the foundation’s strategic focus areas, including:
  • Criminal justice.
  • Family law.

Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed learning opportunity will create wider benefits for the legal profession or New Zealand communities.

Why This Award Matters

Legal systems continuously evolve due to social, technological, and policy changes. Professional learning opportunities allow legal professionals to:

• Gain exposure to international legal practices.
• Develop innovative approaches to legal challenges.
• Improve justice outcomes.
• Build professional networks.
• Bring new knowledge and skills back to Aotearoa New Zealand.

The programme supports individuals who can contribute to long-term improvements in legal services and access to justice.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare a strong application explaining the purpose, value, and expected outcomes of their proposed learning opportunity.

Step 1: Identify the Learning Opportunity

Applicants should select an activity that supports their professional development, such as:

• A conference.
• Training programme.
• Research visit.
• Professional exchange.
• Networking event.

Step 2: Explain the Purpose and Impact

Applications should clearly describe:

• Why the opportunity is important.
• How it will develop the applicant’s legal skills.
• How the learning will benefit their work.
• How knowledge will be shared with the wider legal community.

Step 3: Provide a Budget

Applicants should include details of requested funding, including:

• Travel expenses.
• Accommodation.
• Registration costs.
• Other relevant expenses.

Step 4: Demonstrate Long-Term Value

Applicants should explain how the experience will contribute to:

• Legal innovation.
• Improved justice outcomes.
• Professional leadership.
• Benefits for New Zealand communities.

What the Awards Do Not Fund

The Borrin Foundation Travel and Learning Awards do not support:

• Academic research grants unless the travel or activity enables research that would otherwise not be possible.
• Professional development activities that should normally be funded by an employer.
• Study towards formal academic qualifications.
• Study towards professional qualifications.

Applicants should ensure their proposed activity is focused on professional learning, knowledge exchange, or innovative inquiry.

Application Tips

To strengthen an application:

• Clearly explain the expected impact of the opportunity.
• Connect the activity to improvements in legal practice.
• Show how learning will be shared with others.
• Provide a realistic and detailed budget.
• Highlight commitment to improving justice outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the Borrin Foundation Travel and Learning Awards?

The awards provide financial support to New Zealand legal professionals to participate in learning, networking, and professional development opportunities.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Successful applicants can receive up to $10,000 each. The total programme funding pool is $120,000.

Can the funding be used for international travel?

Yes. The awards can support both domestic and international travel opportunities related to legal learning and professional development.

Who can apply for the awards?

Eligible applicants include judges, lawyers, legal academics, postgraduate law students, and other members of the New Zealand legal community.

Do applicants need a practising certificate?

No. Holding a practising certificate is not required to apply.

Can the award fund university study?

No. The awards generally do not fund study towards academic or professional qualifications.

What types of activities receive priority?

Preference is given to activities that support under-resourced areas of law, criminal justice, family law, and opportunities that create wider benefits for the legal profession.

Conclusion

The Borrin Foundation Travel and Learning Awards provide valuable financial support for New Zealand legal professionals seeking to expand their knowledge, develop new skills, and contribute to positive change in the justice sector. By supporting professional learning, networking, and innovative inquiry, the awards help strengthen the future of the legal profession and improve outcomes for communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.