14 December 1995 New Lincoln Scholarship to Encourage 'Wild Place' Study

Prize and scholarship sponsorship from two Christchurch businesses has given a boost to outdoor recreation study and research at Lincoln University.

Through McEwings Mountain Sports and Macpac Wilderness Equipment Ltd, Lincoln University now offers a postgraduate scholarship to assist students with research interests in resource-based recreation plus a series of prizes for undergraduates enrolled in the Bachelor of Parks Recreation and Tourism Management degree.

The scholarship, in the form of Macpac Wilderness Equipment outdoor recreation equipment/clothing provided by McEwings Mountain Sports, has a value of $2000 and it's open to applicants working in an area of research in resource-based recreation, with preference given to candidates who have field work in which they utilise outdoor recreation equipment and clothing. Other criteria include the actual or potential contribution of the research to knowledge in the field involved, and that the study must be undertaken through Lincoln University's Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

For the prizes the criteria include final examination results over the two previous semesters; the quality of a written presentation on resource based recreation; and a high level of involvement in outdoor activities with particular reference to leadership roles and initiative.

The prizes involve an award of $2000 being made annually to one fulltime student in each of the three years of the degree programme.

In launching the scholarship and prizes, Macpac Wilderness Equipment Australasian Sales Manager Dan Callison said his company was keen to actively support higher learning within the parks and recreation/outdoor field.

"Along with McEwings we are interested in increasing public awareness of contemporary outdoor issues and we enjoy encouraging people to take advantage of the unique benefits offered by New Zealand's wild places.

"We see university-level study and research as vital to the understanding and maintenance of New Zealand's wild places and that's why we're supporting undergraduate and postgraduate students at Lincoln through prizes and scholarships."

Paul McGuigan, proprietor of McEwings Mountain Sports, said that after many years of supporting young New Zealanders in competitive and mountain sports his company was delighted to extend its community involvement to Lincoln University and its students.

"We hope our support will help enhance access to the magnificent natural learning environment of the New Zealand outdoors," he said.

Lincoln lecturer Kay Booth, who liaised with the businesses in setting up the awards, said the University greatly appreciated the support of the two Christchurch companies and it was encouraging for educators in the recreation and outdoors areas to have the business world supporting study and research.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.