The Peter Brown Memorial Friendship Award promotes friendship between the United States and New Zealand.

  • The $NZ 2,000 award pursues its aim through contributing towards a New Zealand citizen's study in the United States.

  • No limitation is placed on the field of study or use of the award.

  • The award is available ONLY to applicants undertaking undergraduate study.

  • The candidate must be a New Zealand citizen, preferably born in New Zealand.

History of the Award:

The award was first established by the American Club Inc. of Auckland, New Zealand, in 2005 as the Friendship Award. In 2010, the award was renamed the Peter Brown Memorial Friendship Award to honour Peter Brown (1933-2010) in recognition of the contributions of Peter and the Brown family to the American Club of Auckland. His wife, Pat, served as President from 2006-2008 and has continued as a long-standing supporter of the Club. Their daughter Louise managed and played for the Club’s softball team, the Eagles, for many years. Peter Brown was always available to support his family and the Club, selflessly helping in any capacity that he could.

Application process:

Candidates are required to submit an essay explaining how the candidate’s purpose and plan for study in the United States will foster friendly relations between the two countries. The essay must be limited to a maximum of two pages, 1500 words in length. Candidates must also submit a fully completed application form, curriculum vitae, and academic transcript.

The award selection committee has prioritised its criteria for this year's award to applicants who:

  • Must be a citizen of New Zealand;
  • Have been accepted into an undergraduate programme with high academic reputation;
  • Have demonstrated involvement in activities beyond academic study;
  • Have a high record of overall achievement;
  • Have a strong academic record in subjects related to their proposed study plan;
  • Demonstrate a financial need and plan for applying the award's funds;
  • Will take up their studies in the United States no earlier than September in the year of the award.

Candidates who do not meet these exact priorities are, of course, encouraged to apply. Applicants should ensure their essay and application documents indicate succinctly their standing in relation to the foregoing priorities and overall aims of the award. Applicants who have already worked or studied in the United States should also comment on the circumstances of their experience. Successful candidates are not eligible to re-apply for the award.

Acceptance of the award:Peter Brown Memorial Friendship Award Trophy

As a condition of acceptance, the successful candidate undertakes to:

  • Provide a letter or email formally accepting the award;
  • Provide a photo and short biography that can be included in the American Club newsletter and web page;
  • Provide documentation verifying enrollment in a course of study at an accredited university or college in the United States; and
  • Agree to provide at least two news updates reporting the progress of his/her experience. Usually, the first report is due within three months of taking up the award in the US, and the final report is within one month of completing their study experience.

The Club will publish the photograph, biography, and news updates to its members and the general public via its newsletter and web page.

Selection process:

The successful candidate will be determined by a committee, American Club Education Convener. The successful candidate will be notified and invited to meet Club members and officials at an event following the notification. 

Submission:

The complete application must include four sections compiled into ONE pdf document in the following sequence:

  • A fully completed Application Form
  • A two-page essay (1500 words maximum)
  • Financial need and plan
  • A curriculum vitae
  • Academic transcript

Submit your SINGLE pdf document by email to the American Club Inc.
IMPORTANT!!! Please write “Peter Brown Memorial Friendship Award - APPLICATION” in the 'Subject' line of your email.
Email your application.

Previous award winners:

View interviews and news from previous award winners here.

Enquiries concerning the award may be directed here.
Please write “Peter Brown Memorial Friendship Award - ENQUIRY” in the 'Subject' line of your email.

The Peter Brown Memorial Friendship Award is also listed on the Generosity New Zealand (GivME) database, accessible by individual and institutional subscription.

Please contribute towards funding the award here:

Your contribution will assist a deserving New Zealand undergraduate toward their USA studies.

CONTRIBUTE