It’s graduation season: the time when GWC reflects on the role our non-profit GWC Regalia Hire plays in enabling our mission of barrier-free education for all women.

A career development programme at Lincoln University, funded by GWC, continues to make a difference for professional women staff in tertiary education.

Learn more about GWC’s strategy, 2023-28.

Erika Hansen was our 2022/2023 successful awardee for the GWC Sadie Balkind Scholarship. Erika is currently completing her second year (dissertation) of the Master of Landscape Architecture programme at Lincoln university. Erika also holds a Bachelor of Design with 1st class honour’s from Massey University. The focus for her dissertation and major design project is on biophilic design and therapeutic landscapes and how design principles can be applied to the design of therapeutic gardens with the intention of preventing and treating nature-deficit disorders. Erika shares her thoughts.

The GWC board would like to congratulate the GWC Regalia Hire Volunteers for being recognised by Volunteering Canterbury in this year’s Volunteer Recognition Awards, 2023. Congratulations to all of our wonderful Volunteers!

Annually the board award the Helen Wily scholarship administered through the University of Canterbury. The purpose of this prize is to support female students who excel in mathematical sciences at 300 or 400-level.

Dena Makarious was our 2021 successful awardee for the GWC Sadie Balkind Scholarship. The quality of applications was incredibly high however Dena’s commitment to using her qualifications to help her own and other migrant and minority communities along with her volunteer work, strong referee support and high GPA stood her apart and ensured her position. Dena shares her experience.

GWC were thrilled to see the funding for Lincoln university utilised for two groups of women within the institution. Investing in both professional development of staff through a series of practical and applied workshops, and giving scholarships to female students who’s studies have been impacted from COVID-19.

The Canterbury Westland Science Fair for 2022 had a fantastic turn out, after 2 years of alternative events due to Covid. GWC have been actively sponsoring two prizes, one for the junior bracket and one for the senior bracket for a number of years.

Funding provided by GWC allows Ara Institute of Canterbury Ltd to provide targeted financial support to women studying a programme which incurs expenses related to compulsory placements or block courses (e.g. travel, accommodation, childcare).