The Shepherdess Muster Ticket Scholarships

Do you have a friend, family member, neighbour or colleague who deserves a weekend away from it all to focus on just themselves? 

This year, thanks to the generous support from ANZCO Foods, Rio Tinto NZ Aluminium Smelter, Southland Farm Machinery, the Waihōpai Toetoe Community Board, Otago Rural Support Trust, Clutha Vets, along with other organisations and individuals, we have two scholarship funds – the Southland & Clutha Scholarship and the ANZCO Foods Scholarship – available to support women to attend The Shepherdess Muster in Tokanui in March 2026.

Each Scholarship includes:

  • All activities at The Muster, including guest speakers, over 25 workshops, the Artsbreak area, entertainment along with all meals throughout the weekend, including a refreshment and bite to eat on arrival.

  • Tented accommodation for two nights – twin or triple-share in pre-set-up tents. The tent set-up is simple. It includes a comfy foam mattress, pillow, linen set, duvet/comforter, and basic lighting.

Each scholarship is valued at up to $1188 each.

All successful scholarship recipients must be available to attend the whole Muster weekend, from 4pm on Friday 6 March to 1pm on Sunday 8 March.

Scholarship recipients are responsible for their own transport to attend the event. We can help with a lift from, and return to Invercargill, if you are flying in.

Who is eligible? 

General criteria

All the scholarships are open to women living on farm, or in rural communities and towns.

The scholarships will be prioritised for those who would really benefit from taking time out from their day-to-day life. This could include women who may have suffered adversity, women who otherwise may not be able to attend due to cost, or women who may just need an event like The Shepherdess Muster to give them a much-needed break or boost. It doesn’t mean they have had to have experienced major hardship – although some may – it can just be that they give a lot to everybody else and don’t often prioritise themselves. 

The Muster is an inclusive event. In line with the ethos of the event, we encourage applications or nominations from women of all ages, backgrounds, cultures, sexualities, abilities and life experiences.

Specific criteria

SOUTHLAND & CLUTHA SCHOLARSHIPS

Three general Southland & Clutha Scholarships supported by generous businesses and individuals:

  • Open to women living within the Southland District Council or Clutha District Council boundaries. 

Four scholarships supported by Rio Tinto NZ Aluminium Smelter:

  • Open to women living within the Southland District Council or Gore District Council boundaries.

Two scholarships supported by the Waihōpai Toetoe Community Board:

  • Open to women living in the Waihōpai Toetoe Community Board area, within the Southland District Council boundary.

One scholarship supported by Otago Rural Support Trust:

  • Open to women living within the Clutha District Council boundary. 

ANZCO FOODS SCHOLARSHIPS

Ten scholarships:

  • Open to women living anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand.

  • Focused on supporting women involved in the primary sector – whether on farm, supporting a farming partner through unpaid household and family roles, or off farm in related rural industries or professional roles. 

How to apply or nominate someone:

To apply – or nominate someone you think is well deserving – visit https://shepherdess.co.nz/submissions/the-muster-scholarship/ and fill in the application/nomination form.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged. The final closing date is 5pm, 16 February 2026.

If you have any questions about the process, or whether you’re eligible – please get in touch with us by emailing themuster@shepherdess.co.nz. 

Shepherdess would like to extend a warm thank you to the many donors whose generosity has supported the Scholarship Fund this year. Thank you to ANZCO Foods, Rio Tinto NZ Aluminium Smelter, the Waihōpai Toetoe Community Board, Southland Farm Machinery, Otago Rural Support Trust, Clutha Vets, along with the other organisations and individuals who have supported us being able to offer these scholarships.