The New Zealand Postgraduate Development Field Research Awards are administered by DevNet on behalf of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)
Applications are currently closed and will reopen in late October 2026!
Research on Development Issues
The goal of the New Zealand Postgraduate Development Field Research Awards is to support research by students studying in New Zealand institutions on development issues relevant to New Zealand’s development cooperation efforts and foster the capacity of future New Zealand development professionals.
The Awards
The awards are for students undertaking research as part of a New Zealand-based Master’s degree or Doctorate to cover costs associated with their research. The maximum value of Awards will be determined for each round and can be found in the Award Regulations.
The Application form can be downloaded HERE.
Research Priority Areas
The funding prioritises research in the Pacific but is open to other eligible research locations that line up with the Programme priorities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Check out the Aid and Development section of the Ministry’s website for more information.
Award Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for an award, applicants must:
- already be enrolled in a postgraduate programme and plan to undertake the field research as part of a New Zealand Master’s degree or Doctorate programme; and
- plan to undertake development studies-related research on a developing country (or multiple countries) where the New Zealand Aid Programme is active.
- have received (or will receive prior to commencement) university ethics approval to conduct the research.
- have received (or will receive prior to commencement) approval to conduct research from the appropriate government authorities of the country in which research will be conducted.
Read the Awards Regulations for more information.
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Recent Award Recipients
2019
2020
2021
2022
- Cristine Werle – Massey University
- Ruby McGruddy – Massey University
- Bridget Payne – Victoria University of Wellington
- Ivor Kaisami – Massey University
- Erin Thomas – University of Auckland
- Michelle Greene – Massey University
- Neill Ballantyne – Victoria University of Wellington
- Jojo Woodham – Victoria University of Wellington
- Tessa Bardsley – Victoria University of Wellington
- Akisi Nailaba Ravono – Massey University
- Chung Thi Nguyen – Auckland University of Technology
- Jane Lohrey – Massey University
- Lisa Moir – University of Auckland
- Seimoana Naisali – Massey University
- Adriu Naduva – University of Otago
- Jeevan Karki – University of Auckland
- Randel Esnard – Lincoln University
- Craig Hooper – University of Otago
- Sargam Goundar – University of Otago
- Kim Andreas Kessler – University of Otago
- Avelina Rokoduru – University of Otago
- James Stiefvater – Massey University
- Ariela Zibiah – Canterbury University
- Hanh Dang – University of Otago
- Priyam Maharaj – University of Otago
- Mino Cleverley – University of Otago
- Isabella Patrick – Massey University
- Katja Phutaraksa Neef – Auckland University
- Louis Morrell – Massey University
- Mathea Melissa Lim – Auckland University
2023
2024
2025
2026
- Jolene Wescombe – Massey University
- Melanie Altemus – Victoria University of Wellington
- Ruveni Tumavana – Massey University
- Bex Ansell – Auckland University
- Naomi Moya – University of Canterbury
- Malathi Rambodagedar – Massey University
- Harpreet Kaur – Massey University
- Wade Gadsby – Massey University
- Joseph Brockliss – Massey University
- Maria Afeau – Massey University
- Indeewari Kanchana Galagama – Massey University
- Clare Wedu Konikai – Massey University
- Adam Fraser – Massey University
- Nurussaadah Mokhtar – Otago University
- Pratish Raj – Canterbury University
- Katie Bardsley – Victoria University of Wellington
- Sieni Tiraa – Massey University
- Kiera Nelson – Massey University
- Rebecca Thomas – Auckland University
- Rosie O’Hagan – Massey University
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Contact Us
Any questions regarding requirements for applications should be directed to the Awards Administrator at info@devnet.org.nz.