News In Brief

Acorn Foundation Fiction Prize: 2018 Finalists Announced

The 2018 finalists in the Fiction Prize category

​The 2018 Finalists for the $50,000 Acorn Foundation Fiction Prize have now been announced with four books selected from  each of the following categories: Fiction, General Non-Fiction, Illustrated Non-Fiction, and Poetry.  NZ Book Awards Trust chair Nicola Legat said all 16 finalists demonstrated the diversity, depth and skill of New Zealand writers.  "These books reflect who we are as people and how we are developing as a nation, demonstrating that the writer's role is as important now as it was half-a-century ago.  Like many of the books nominated in previous years' awards, the cream of this year's crop are destined to be become classics".  To listen to Nicola Legat's interview on The AM Show, click here. 

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 15 May.

Vital Signs 2018 launched!

The Acorn Foundation is excited to launch the 2018 Vital Signs Report, highlighting the various issues in the Western Bay of Plenty, as perceived by our community.  This Report forms the basis for Acorn's decision making process at funding time.  Following extensive research undertaken by Key Research the results show that, not surprisingly in light of Tauranga's immense growth of late, planning for the region's growth tops the list of priorities for improvement, followed by the cost of living, transportation and roading, drug and alcohol abuse, and caring for our environment.   The full report can be viewed here.

​Lifelong  condition not stopping Morgan

Morgan Ball

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With impressive results on the Duathlon International stage over the past 2 years, Morgan has achieved her 2017 goals by winning the Women’s NZ Duathlon Championship and placing 3rd at the World Duathlon Championship (both for her 20 – 24 yr age groups).
 
And 2018 is looking like a another busy year while Morgan juggles her study at Toi Ohomai Institute, with a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation, training demands, part time work and World Qualifying races to make it to the next World Championship in Denmark.
 
Born prematurely, Morgan developed a lifelong lung condition but she is proving that with determination and drive, there is little that she cannot achieve and is a worthy recipient of the Acorn Foundation Christine Tustain Scholarship.

Top Te Puke Student Awarded Medical Scholarship

Kate McKay

Te Puke High School graduate Kate McKay has been awarded the Acorn Foundation BOP Medical Students Scholarship for 2017. Kate has spent this year based at Tauranga Hospital as a fifth-year medical student, and she also has a particular interest in research around patient experience in hospitals, which she plans to continue in 2018.
The scholarship, with a value of $4,032, will support Kate’s living expenses as she continues her medical research and training.
Kate says, "A huge thank you to the Bay of Plenty Clinical School and the Acorn Foundation for awarding me this hardship grant. I am putting my medical degree on hold in 2018 to pursue an interest in research in Northland and this money will greatly assist me in this endeavor. I am grateful to the doctors who established this grant many years ago."
When applying for the scholarship, Kate was unaware that one of those doctors was none other than Dr Richard Speed, who brought her into this world 23 years ago.
The Acorn Foundation has this year awarded a total of $84,450 in scholarships to 62 local students, in accordance with the wishes of the many generous local people who are choosing to support young people across the Western Bay of Plenty region in this way.

Young Talent and Ambition Recognised

Andrea Cashmore, Jimmi Kameta and Richard Cashmore.

A new major prize was awarded for the first time at the Tauranga Boys’ College prizegiving on Tuesday night. Jimi Kameta received the Acorn Foundation Cashmore Family scholarship, with a value of $10,000 over two years. Jimi plans to study Biomedical Science next year at university and then go on to become a doctor and one day provide free medical treatment to those who cannot afford it.
Along with the award, Richard and Andrea Cashmore presented Jimi with a personally signed copy of Dr Lance O’Sullivan’s book The Good Doctor – a very appropriate gift given Jimi’s aspirations.