Geoff Walsh Memorial Scholarship

Applications for 2025 closed on 31 July 2025.

Successful recipients of the 2025 scholarships will be announced at the HVE 2025 AGM/Conference 12-14 November 2025. Please read below and visit www.gwscholarship.nz for more information about Geoff Walsh Memorial Scholarships.

This page, and the dedicated Geoff Walsh Memorial Scholarship website will announce when the Scholarship Committee is ready to receive applications for the 2026 scholarships! Watch this space!

In the meantime, check out below for general details and eligibility criteria.

Applications open when funding for the next round of scholarships is confirmed for you to receive financial assistance and encouragement to pursue your interest and endeavours to benefit the heavy vehicle transport industry. Geoff Walsh himself received such a scholarship in 1983, which enabled him to travel to Australia and Canada to study the design of dynamic behaviour of heavy vehicles. Upon what he learned, personal enrichment, and lifelong relationships developed, he built and invested in a career of invaluable and personally fulfilling service to the industry.

And now, such an opportunity is available for you!

Am I eligible?

This offer is open to Full Members, Affiliate Members, Student Members and employees of members of the HVE Group, NZTTMF or IRTENZ who wish to undertake some form of education, training, professional development or research.

• Are you a new and perhaps younger engineer just starting out and keen to widen your knowledge and expertise in a certain field?
• Are you in training to become a Heavy Vehicle engineer and need assistance with costs of mentoring, obtaining resources, codes or course costs?
• Do you work ‘on the tools’ and wish to upskill to become a designer and/or certifier by going back to study?
• Do you know someone who needs encouragement to reach their obvious potential for their own benefit and that of the industry at large?
• Are you a more seasoned engineer with a particular interest you wish to explore, probe and investigate more deeply?
• Is there a course or webinar which you think would benefit your own professional development?

In addition to the more formal training opportunities, it is recognised that in present times there are a number of engineers-in-training who need contact time with one or more senior HVSC Engineers to progress. The HVE Committee recognises this as a valid form of professional development and therefore encourages applications for financial assistance to enable such informal training possibilities to be maximised. The HVE Committee places high importance on the timely graduation of new HVSCs, recognising it as essential to maintaining geographical coverage, robust health, and long-term vitality of the industry throughout New Zealand.

Please do not be limited in any way by the above examples – they are by no means an exhaustive list of the innovative possibilities that are open to you!

We encourage all members to consider this opportunity to gain assistance for personal and professional development and to become better equipped to contribute to the benefit, excellence and safety of heavy vehicle engineering in New Zealand.

How is the scholarship distributed?

A scholarship may be granted up to the full value of the funding available in any year. It may be awarded to one recipient or divided among two or more recipients. It may also be awarded in a single year or over multiple years. Any scholarships not awarded in any particular year will accumulate and may be granted later. HVE, or other sources, may even offer additional funding. The scholarship may cover any form of cost including, but not limited to, course fees, travel, accommodation, purchase of resource material.

What’s Expected of Successful Applicants?

You may be invited to present the skills and insights gained from your scholarship-supported activity at a conference or meeting hosted by the HVE Group, NZTTMF, IRTENZ, or within the wider industry. Scholarship details of successful applicants will be published within the supporting organisations and may be used to help promote the scholarship.

We’ll ask you to provide a one-page written reflection on how the scholarship has positively impacted you. This will be featured alongside a photo you provide to showcase your experience and help promote the scholarship to inspire future applicants and donors. For previous examples, visit www.gwscholarship.nz.

Any additional expectations will be communicated before your scholarship is granted, or discussed with you by mutual agreement.

What do I do now?

A link to the Application Form relevant to the year of the scholarships being offered will be posted on the www.gwscholarship.nz and linked below. Your submitted application will be received by the HVE Committee and forwarded to a selection committee who will assess all applications and decide who should receive scholarships. Please be prepared to supply further information, including referees, if required, and do take note that all decisions of HVE are binding and not open to debate. Successful recipients of the Geoff Walsh Memorial Scholarship are announced at the HVE AGM/Conference. It is acceptable to apply for funding needs which precede the timing of the conference.

What am I waiting for?

Your future won’t wait — and neither should you. Start shaping your application now so you’re ready when the next round of scholarships opens. This is your chance to unlock new opportunities, grow your skills, and make a lasting impact.

Dream big. Plan smart. Be ready.