Image: Sjaan Bowie | DOC
Two DOC staff electrofishing for  Upland Longjaw Galaxias in the Mackenzie Basin.
Postgraduate scholarship programme
DOC offered postgraduate research scholarships for conservation related research in the natural and social sciences. The programme is now closed.

Conservation research in this context is interpreted broadly and includes a range of disciplines and perspectives, for example biophysical sciences, the social sciences, and Te Ao Māori thinking.

It covers the biodiversity, visitor and heritage related responsibilities of the Department of Conservation (DOC).

The purpose of these scholarships is to help achieve New Zealand’s conservation goals.

2024/25 application round

DOC postgraduate scholarship 2024/25 recipients

Name

Tertiary Qualification

Tertiary Organisation

Research Topic

Samantha Dryden

MSc (Conservation and Ecology)

Lincoln University

Lizard populations on Kaitorete and their ecological role as Muehlenbeckia astonii seed dispersers

Ashleigh Stanners

MSc (Molecular and Cellular Bio)

University of Waikato

Bats, bugs, and biodiversity: dietary DNA metabarcoding of New Zealand long-tailed bats in plantation forests.

Yi-Pei Chung

MSc (Ecology)

University of Otago

Investigating rodent impacts on Rakiura’s lizard fauna and movement ecology of harlequin gecko

Scholarship details

The scholarships are for Masters students undertaking the research component of their degree at an approved institution. Full-time and part-time students are eligible.

The three scholarships are worth up to $15,000 each. Full-time students are funded for one year and part-time students are funded for up to two years.

Selection criteria

The selection committee awarded scholarships based on the following criteria:

  • relevance of the research thesis topic to Te Papa Atawhai Department of Conservation's research priorities
  • demonstrating the implementation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, by providing endorsement of the relationship and engagement with the iwi, hapū and whānau of the area the research is specified (or the intention to engage by providing a plan)
  • academic merit
  • genuine interest in research topic and evidence of commitment to conservation science.

Research priorities

DOC's Biodiversity, Hertiage and Visitor research priorities

Programme closed

This postgraduate scholarship programme is now closed and there will be no future application rounds.

Previous application rounds

2023 successful applicants
2023 research priorities

2022 successful applicants
2022 research priorities 

2021 successful applicants
2021 research priorities

2020 successful applicants
2020 research priorities 

Contact

For general queries about the scholarships, email Lakshila Abeysekara labeysekara@doc.govt.nz