Winston Churchill Memorial Trust celebrates 50 years

12 November 2015

Winston Churchill Memorial Trust celebrates 50 years

Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Jo Goodhew today announced that 17 people have been awarded Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowships for 2016. This is more than in recent years, in recognition of the Trust’s 50th anniversary this year.

“Churchill’s vision of advancing world peace and understanding through cross-cultural learning opportunities is as relevant today as it was in 1965.” said Winston Churchill Trust Board Chair, Rachael Selby. “Churchill knew he wasn't perfect. His defeats are as well documented as his successes. Yet, he understood the value of learning, including lessons from failure – and the humility needed to embrace them.”

The Trust has been developing partnerships and seeking donations to continue offering ordinary New Zealanders the chance to learn from other cultures and bring back innovative thinking that enriches diverse industries, communities and the Fellows' own development.

When Churchill died in 1965, the Trust was set up with generous contributions from the New Zealand government and public donations. It has supported more than 800 New Zealanders to travel overseas to learn and bring back international insights. Fellows have made innovative contributions to fields as diverse as homelessness, cycling, post-disaster recovery, domestic violence, social enterprise, conservation and the arts.

“Fellowship applications reflect an extraordinarily range of New Zealanders with inquiring minds wanting to innovate in their fields. The Fellowship experience can create a significant ripple effect for the Fellows and the initiatives they support.”

"We want to future-proof the value of the Trust assets to ensure these opportunities continue for the decades ahead.”

Further information about developing partnered Fellowships or making donations is available at: www.churchilltrust.communitymatters.govt.nz

ENDS

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