The search is on for passionate New Zealanders who would relish the chance to travel overseas to explore, learn, and bring back ideas that will make a real difference in Aotearoa.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Churchill Fellowships. The Fellowships, awarded by the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust New Zealand, support people from all backgrounds and industries to undertake international research in their chosen field. With no academic qualifications required to apply, Churchill Fellowships are open to everyday New Zealanders who want to grow their knowledge and turn it into positive change.

“Churchill Fellowships provide a remarkable opportunity for Kiwis to broaden their horizons and bring back insights to benefit New Zealand,” says David Ivory, Chair of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust. “It’s about practical learning, real-world impact, and empowering individuals to drive progress in their communities and industries.”

Each year, successful applicants design their own Fellowship journey, choosing where to go, what to explore, and how it will benefit New Zealand. From trades and technology to conservation, education, arts, agriculture, and beyond, the possibilities are wide open.

Previous recipients include those who have travelled to study Dementia Villages as a model for New Zealand multi-generational living and elder care in the future, and builder Tim Boyd, who travelled to Australia, the UK and North America to learn from projects operating shared workspaces for the creative and skills sector, businesses and product manufacturing.

Grace Brown, 2025 recipient, is a neurodivergent woman with a deep passion for New Zealand Sign Language and Deaf culture. Her Fellowship will see her exploring global approaches to inclusive communication and accessibility.

Grace says, “This Fellowship is providing me with an incredible opportunity to help break down communication barriers with technology, so Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and neurodivergent Kiwis can fully connect, learn, and thrive. This will have a lasting impact on Aotearoa’s Deaf and neurodivergent communities, which is something I’m extremely passionate about.”

Since 1965, more than 900 New Zealanders have received a Churchill Fellowship, creating ripple effects of knowledge, innovation, and leadership across the country.

“We encourage anyone with a big idea and a desire to learn to apply,” says David. “The experience is often life-changing — not only for the Fellow, but for the people and sectors they serve.”

Applications for the 2026 Churchill Fellowships are open now and close on 20 August 2025.

To find out more and apply, visit Community Matters. https://www.communitymatters.govt.nz/winston-churchill-memorial-trust-2

To find out more, visit https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/nz/about

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchillfellowshipnz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winston-churchill-memorial-trust-nz

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