In memory of the late John Stacpoole, the Trust offers an annual scholarship to researchers, practitioners and professionals who have a particular interest in items in Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections. Through its scholarships programme, the Trust:
promotes public engagement with the Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections as a taonga of national importance
encourages scholarly research using material held in the collections, to increase knowledge of the history and culture of communities who have contributed to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
raises the profile of the Trust as a means of supporting the collections.
Criteria
The scholarship is open to overseas applicants as well as New Zealand citizens.
The Auckland Library Heritage Trust will consider applications according to the following criteria.
How the proposed project engages with the public and/or has the potential to increase knowledge of or access to the collections.
The research-readiness of chosen collections, and how much staff time will be needed to assist with access to them.
Provision and outputs
The recipient of an Auckland Library Heritage Trust John Stacpoole Scholarship will receive:
a grant of $6,750
supervised access to the collections
access to staff with specialist knowledge of the chosen collection(s) when available.
Minimum requirements expected of the recipient:
a blog post of at least 500 words on the Heritage et AL blog or a podcast interview
an agreed piece of work that will increase knowledge of or access to collections, such as a piece of academic writing, an index or inventory, or curatorial work towards an exhibition
a public output such as a talk or an additional podcast
acknowledgement of the 'Auckland Library Heritage Trust John Stacpoole Scholarship' in any resulting publications or events.
How to apply
We strongly encourage applicants to contact Renee Orr, Team Leader Curatorial Services, before submitting an application, to discuss their proposed research project. Emails should be sent to renee.orr@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
The deadline for applications is 5.00 pm, Friday 4 September 2026.
Applicants should email the documents listed to this address: specialcollections@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
a CV
project proposal (1,000 words maximum OR a 5-minute video)
a written reference, or name and contact details of someone who has agreed to be a referee (the referee to give a qualitative assessment of candidate’s ability and capacity to deliver a project of this kind).
A panel of library staff will shortlist applications. Trustees of the Auckland Library Heritage Trust will make the final decision and announce the recipient in early October.
Where to get the application form
From the Heritage et AL blog.
About John Stacpoole
John Massy Stacpoole OBE (30 September 1919 – 5 September 2018) was a New Zealand heritage architect, historian and bibliophile who was responsible for the preservation and restoration of many historic buildings in Auckland and Northland.
The son of Percy and Olive Stacpoole, John attended Mt Albert Grammar and went on to obtain a degree in architecture from Auckland University. After gaining experience in Auckland and London, he was employed at the architectural division of the Ministry of Works. It was in this role that he became instrumental in preserving historic buildings and sites including Highwic House, Alberton, Methodist Mission House and Mansion House, Kawau Island. Stacpoole was awarded an OBE in 1975.
He was a generous donor to institutions in Auckland as well as a member of many trusts and committees including the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. He was Chairman of the Mackelvie Trust for over 20 years and a foundation member of the Auckland Library Heritage Trust. Stacpoole also wrote books and articles on New Zealand architecture, architects and historic buildings, and was an avid book collector. He gifted his world-class book collections of Irish history, literature and the works of novelist Anthony Powell to Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections. The library also holds his personal papers.
John Stacpoole’s significant contributions through years of service on the Trust, his gifts to the collections and a generous bequest are remembered in the scholarships that bear his name.
