The Polynesian Society was founded in 1892 to “promote the scholarly study of past and present New Zealand Māori and other Pacific Island peoples and cultures”. To mark the 125th anniversary of the Society, the Council of the Polynesian Society established a research grants fund, named for the late Professor Bruce Grandison Biggs, President of the Polynesian Society from 1979–1993.
The paramount purposes of the fund, as set out in its Trust Deed are:
- to promote and advance the scholarly study of past and present peoples and cultures of Oceania, including New Zealand Māori, by supporting academic research, and
- to provide grants to students studying for qualifications above the Bachelor's level (including Honours degrees) who are enrolled or enrolling at New Zealand tertiary institutions and whose research topics meet the criteria of eligibility for the award of a grant.
- Support student engagement with Māori and other Pacific Island peoples and their communities for academic purposes
Established to mark the Society’s 125th anniversary, this fund honours the late Professor Bruce Grandison Biggs and aims to:
- Promote and advance scholarly study of past and present peoples and cultures of Oceania, including Māori
- Support postgraduate students (Honours and above) enrolled at NZ tertiary institutions
- Enable meaningful student engagement with Māori and Pacific communities
Eligibility & Funding
- Open to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents
- For students enrolled or enrolling in postgraduate qualifications at NZ tertiary institutions
- Research should focus on Māori or Pacific peoples and cultures (primarily social sciences/humanities, though other disciplines may be considered)
- Grants normally range from $1,000–$2,000, tenable for one year
- Funds may support travel, fieldwork, visa fees, and limited NZ/Australia/Pacific conference costs (with a presented paper). Equipment cannot be funded.
Application Requirements
- Succinct research proposal
- Full budget
- CV
- Letter of support from supervisor/mentor or HOD
Recipients receive funds as cash advances and are expected to report on research progress and expenditure. Successful applicants also provide a brief report at the Polynesian Society AGM and are granted Honorary Membership for the year.
Timeline
- Applications open: February 2026
- Deadline: 31 March 2026
- Recipients notified by: April 2026
Applications may be submitted by email to jps@auckland.ac.nz, or by post to:
The Bruce Grandison Biggs Postgraduate Research Trust,
The Polynesian Society,
c/o James Henare Māori Research Centre,
University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142.