Advance Ashburton Community Foundation

28/05/2026

We are delighted to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our 2025 recipient of the Smyth Scholarship - Ben Simons.

In April, Ben graduated from the University of Canterbury gaining a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering with First Class Honours. Whilst this is an incredible achievement in itself, Ben was also the top overall student in his class, receiving the prestigious Electrical Engineering Excellence Prize.

Ben took some time recently to reflect on his journey and the impact of the scholarship through Advance Ashburton Community Foundation.

"The backing from Advance Ashburton had a significant impact on my academic and professional success. More than just a grant, the scholarship served as a vote of confidence. Knowing that Advance Ashburton believed in my potential gave me the assurance to back myself completely, setting ambitious targets that I might have otherwise thought out of reach."

In 2026, Ben has secured a UC Doctoral Scholarship and industry funding through Transpower NZ to begin his PhD in Electrical Engineering. Ben's work is on inverter-based renewable control stability, a vital field of study that supports Aotearoa New Zealand's strategic goal of achieving a 100% renewable electricity supply.

We are excited by the incredible prospects for Ben in the future and we are proud to have been part of his journey, turning potential into high-level research that will impact the future of electricity supply in New Zealand.

26/05/2026

Eddie Millichamp was the recipient of the Parsons Family Scholarship in 2025. At the time, he was a third-year student at Lincoln University with a dream to work in the deer farming industry.

Eddie recently graduated with a Bachelor of Agriculture and is now working at Deer Genetics NZ, farming deer for the trophy hunting market.

Studying at Lincoln University was hugely positive for Eddie and he believes his greatest learning came through developing his critical thinking skills.

"We are constantly fed information and it is important to understand how we distil that information to come up with our opinions and ideas."

Congratulations on your success, Eddie, and our very best wishes for what we know will be a successful career in the deer industry.

23/05/2026

We are proud to support this wonderful initiative at Mount Hutt College!

22/05/2026

22/05/2026

Know someone who is keen to find out about a career in building and construction?

BCITO's Trade Secrets is coming to Ashburton!

Come along and connect with employers and apprentices who are already making it happen in the building and construction industry.

The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation team will be on hand to answer any questions about how to get started on your apprenticeship, and you can find out about the awesome industry training scholarships provided by Advance Ashburton Community Foundation.

📍 Ashburton College, 27 Walnut Avenue
📅 Wednesday 10th June, 6.00pm - 8.00pm
➡️ Register at www.tradesecrets.nz

Dinner is provided so come hungry and ready to connect with your local community.

Tag your whānau and register for BCITO Trade Secrets today!

20/05/2026

In 2025, Advance Ashburton Community Foundation was proud to provide funding through the generosity of the Alan Robertson Fund for a pilot BB Edge programme at Ashburton Borough School. Run by Boys Brigade New Zealand, BB Edge workshops enable boys to learn practical life skills under the guidance of skilled volunteers who are positive role models and passionate about DIY.

Amongst the excitement of building and creating, the values at the heart of the programme are supporting the personal growth and development of the boys, re-engaging them in learning and offering them opportunities for success. Alongside the physical projects the boys complete, the D.I.R.T. principals (Discipline, Integrity, Respect, Tenacity) stay with them and are evident in their interactions in the classroom and at home.

One parent noted the change in their son after taking part in the BB Edge programme:
"Being part of this programme has given my son more than just a new skillset. It has given him a place where he feels capable, engaged, and understood. It has supported the way his mind works, rather than asking him to fit into a space that doesn’t. To now see him bursting to share his learning with anyone who will listen has been incredibly special. As his parent, it’s a proud and emotional moment to witness him light up in this way."

Congratulations to the BB Edge team and our wonderful local volunteers on a successful pilot programme. We look forward to seeing the programme in action at other schools in Mid Canterbury in the future.

If you or someone you know is proficient in DIY, cares about supporting young boys to succeed, and has a couple of hours to spare each week during school time, please get in touch. We would be happy to pass your details on to BB Edge to continue this programme in our community.

Te piko o te māhuri, tērā te tupu o te rākau - The way in which a young sapling is nurtured, determines how the tree will grow.

20/05/2026

Last year, 273 people were killed on New Zealand roads.

Whilst 2025 marked the third consecutive year that there was a road toll reduction, that's still 273 people tragically taken from families and communities.

And, 21% of these deaths were young people aged 15 - 24 years, indicating young road users die in road crashes at a much higher rate than older age groups.

That's why Advance Ashburton Community Foundation is proud to support RYDA Road Safety New Zealand to deliver road safety education sessions for Year 12 students from Ashburton College, Mount Hutt College and Ashburton Christian School in our District.

Thanks to RYDA, over 345 young road users in Mid Canterbury have been equipped with essential cognitive tools to better assess risk, resist distraction, avoid negative peer pressure, and make safer choices when faced with challenges on the road. The lessons learned not only enhance outcomes for young drivers but also contribute to safer roads and stronger community wellbeing.

The feedback from students shows the impact the RYDA sessions have had on them:

"I learnt how distracting it is with a loud passenger or music playing in the background."

"I didn’t realise how long it takes a car to actually stop when you press on the brakes."

"It taught me that I do have power as a passenger and I now have ways to stand up and speak if I feel uncomfortable."

"The fatigue tips were very useful and important for me personally - making sure you get a good night's sleep, and when driving for hours to take breaks."

"I am going to put my phone on do not disturb and put it in the glove box of the car."

Thank you to the facilitators and volunteers involved in the RYDA programme this year. We appreciate your support in making our roads a safer place.

19/05/2026

Graduation ceremonies have been happening at universities around the country lately and these have been special celebrations for some past recipients of scholarships from Advance Ashburton Community Foundation.

We were thrilled to hear from Jorja Roulston, the 2025 recipient of the Ian Glassey Memorial Scholarship, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Geography and Environmental Science, from the University of Canterbury.

Jorja has recently moved to the Hawke's Bay and is working for Hastings District Council as an Environmental Planner.

"Through completing my bachelor’s degree, I developed a strong understanding of environmental processes, geographic principles, and the relationship between people and the environment. My studies also provided insight into environmental management, local government, and planning processes within New Zealand which is directly applicable to my current role."

Reflecting on her scholarship, Jorja said, "I am deeply grateful to the Advance Ashburton Community Foundation and its donors for their generous support, which played an important role in helping me reach this stage of my career."

Congratulations, Jorja, and all the very best for what we know will be a successful career.

13/05/2026

Have your say on the Ashburton District Council's very first Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy. Go to https://itsourplace.nz/arts-culture-and-heritage-strategy