Scholarship fund axed

South Waikato District Council has removed funding for the Mayoral Scholarships in 2012 and 2013.

The decision was made last week during a council meeting where Mayor Neil Sinclair discussed the notice of motion he raised at the last council meeting three weeks ago.

“I don’t do this with any great pleasure,’’ Mr Sinclair said.

“I think the Mayoral Scholarships were a great idea. I have spoken to lots of people and they say good things about the scholarship.

“The parents that

I have spoken to didn’t wish to expose their children and we need to review it.’’

Mr Sinclair said the scholarship will be looked at in about a year’s time.

Councillors around the table also commented with councillor Brenda Watkins saying,“Yes your worship, I feel that the situation has been handled sensitively and that people need to be aware of the variety of reasons that have brought about this.’’

Mrs Watkins suggested that council pay for an advertisement outlining the reasons why fund- ing was being cut.

“I feel that we should use a paid advertisement to let people know that we’re allowed the dust to settle a little bit. Because there has been some negative impact on the people who have been successful, there’s some sort of feeling that children will not be treated fairly,’’ she said.

Councillor Barrie Herlihy was saddened by the funding removal.

“There are some young people out there that are possibly going to miss out on that possible chance of having the scholarship.’’