Pete Taylor Scholarship
Awarded annually | ACROSS THE MOTU
What is it?
We celebrate the legacy of ‘our Pete’ by awarding a semi-annual scholarship in his memory.
Pete had strong core values and a way of talking through and resolving challenges that we were proud to stand alongside him on. He inspired (and still inspires us), with his principled approach to life and his integrity. We decided that in his honour, we would surprise someone who also exhibits ‘Pete values’ with some unexpected funds.
How do you apply?
You don’t! There are no application forms or complex selection processes. Our recipients don't know our scholarship exists until we make the phone call to tell them some money's going in their account to use how they choose. That’s the cool part!
Recipients
Our very first recipient, Madeleine Chapman, editor at The Spinoff, was an easy choice. Her commitment to championing change is evident in the rigour of her writing and the topics she tackles.
In 2025, we are pleased to support in memory of Pete, our second recipient: Aaron Smale, for the wonderful, independent journalism he has done in relation to the abuse in care inquiry over the past ten years.
Madeleine Chapman
“When I was first contacted by The Catalyst Group about the Pete Taylor scholarship, I thought they were looking for some editorial coverage of it. Then when we got on the call and I was told I was the recipient of the scholarship and it came with (quite literally) no strings attached – no deliverables, no reporting back, no expected outcomes – I was sure it was a scam! But no, it was real and came with a huge boost in confidence and motivation, as well as a realisation that I would one day like to do something similar to what The Catalyst Group have so generously done with this scholarship.
They never asked for a report on what I used the money for but here it is: I joined a local woodworking group and bought a few tools and have been making projects for the past year, each one providing much joy and meditation during some tough economic and personal moments. Thank you again, what a beautiful gift and legacy.”
~ Madeleine Chapman, Editor, The Spinoff (Inaugural recipient of our Pete Taylor Scholarship)