3 July 2008 Media Statement

Churchill Fellowships facilitate international research

Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Ruth Dyson is calling for New Zealanders wishing to travel overseas to conduct research to apply for a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship, which opens today.

“This is a great opportunity for New Zealanders to travel abroad to research international best practice, and bring back new knowledge, experience and understanding that will enrich New Zealand’s communities,” said Ruth Dyson.
“The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship helps all kinds of New Zealanders - including community workers, engineers, business people, actors, teachers and artists - to undertake research on a vast range of topics,” said Ruth Dyson.

The 2008 Churchill Fellows included Auckland’s Jill Goldson, who travelled to the United Kingdom to examine child inclusive counselling mediation.
Gareth Watkins of Wellington travelled to the United States to research minority voices in the mainstream via broadcast media.

Dr Philip Townshend, who is from Nelson, travelled to the United Kingdom to research treatment strategies for people who are problem Internet gamblers.
“Sir Winston Churchill, Britain’s wartime Prime Minister, strongly believed that people should travel abroad to develop a particular area of expertise, and return home to make a greater contribution to their community. The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust makes his belief a reality for many New Zealanders every year and as a result, we all benefit,” said Ruth Dyson

Churchill Fellows are granted up to 80 per cent of their travel costs and they generally spend from three weeks to three months overseas. Churchill Trusts also operate in the United Kingdom and Australia.

Applications close 31 July 2008.

More information, a list of previous Fellows and their areas of research, and applications forms can be found at www.dia.govt.nz.

ENDS

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