Scholarships by Nomination
Nominations are currently open and close midnight 19 October 2025.
The following scholarships are offered through nominations made by Schools and/or Education Providers to recognise students who would benefit from this opportunity.
Harold Holmes Student Grant
Grant value for 2025 – $2,500
A leading local businessman and member of the Rotary Club of Rotorua for many years, Harold was passionate about Rotorua and its people. In 1991 he created the Harold Holmes Student Grant Trust which awards a Student Grant each year to a local high school student to assist with the cost of their tertiary studies.
In 2012 the Geyser Community Foundation was honoured to be invited to take over the investments and management of the Trust and is delighted that the former Trustees, including Harold’s grandson, Ryan, remain involved by working with Geyser to select the annual recipient.
Sadly, Harold died in 2002 but his wish to support young people who show promise of benefitting their local community will now be kept alive forever.
Peter O’Flaherty Scholarship
Scholarship value for 2025 – up to $3,400
Peter was paralysed from a rugby accident when he was 23. While a high-level tetraplegic he went on, with significant community support, to complete his studies at Massey University and held down a successful career with MAF over many decades.
Over time Peter observed that many kids need a helping hand with their future, especially those like him with not a lot of confidence and moderate academic ability. Therefore, established the Peter O’Flaherty Fund which awards a scholarship/s each year for young people aged between 15 and 25 years old to assist with their education.
Sadly, Peter died in 2021 but with the help of Geyser and his nephew Nick, his wish “to turn some kids’ lives around” and to support the community that supported him will now be kept alive forever.
Additional Information
Criteria and application Guidelines have been sent directly to eligible Schools. If you have not received this or would like further information, please contact:
Leanne Rankin
Community Engagement Officer
leanne@geysercf.org.nz
Ph: 021 030 4313 or 349 7496
Important Dates:
Nominations / Applications close: Midnight 19 October 2025
Review and decision-making: October / November
Notification of decisions: October / November
Harold Holmes Student Grant Presentation: 1st December 2025
Peter O’Flaherty Scholarship: Presented at School Prizegiving if possible.
Grant Payment: November / December
Reporting requirements:
The successful applicants will be required to provide a written report about how they spent the grants and outline the impact it has made on their lives. Reports must be received by the Geyser Community Foundation within six months of receiving the grant.
Nomination / Application Forms
⚠️ Important: Prepare Your Application First
We recommend completing your application in a separate document, using the guide emailed to you, before entering it into the online form. This will save time in case you encounter technical issues while completing your application, and because the form does not save your progress.
Use of AI Tools
Please ensure all responses are in your own words. You may use AI tools to check spelling, grammar, clarity, or flow, but AI programs (e.g. ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot) must not be used to write or generate content.
Harold Holmes Student Grant Nomination Form HERE
Harold Holmes Student Grant Student / Nominee Application Form HERE
Peter O’Flaherty Scholarship Nomination Form HERE
Please note: Once you have submitted your form you will receive a confirmation email ‘Thank you for your application’.
If you do not receive this, your application has not been successfully submitted. Please resubmit or email us at geyseradmin@geysercf.org.nz