Te Waiu O Aotearoa Trust Scholarship 2023: Six Māori students achieve their tertiary education goals

Te Waiu O Aotearoa Trust Scholarship 2023 recipient Alexander Hill

Six Māori students have received a financial boost towards achieving their academic goals through Te Waiu O Aotearoa Trust’s 2023 tertiary study scholarships.

The Trust, administered by Westpac, was established in 1994 to promote, develop and provide for the education, advancement, and employment opportunities of Māori, with a preference in the general business banking and finance industries.

Each year, the Trust awards Māori recipients across Aotearoa a $5,000 scholarship towards their tertiary study and accommodation costs.

“The calibre of this year’s scholarship applicants was very high, and I thank each of them for the effort and time put into the process,” Te Waiu o Aotearoa Trust Chair, Tania O’Brien, said.

“The six recipients from tertiary institutions around Aotearoa are studying a range of subjects, from Economics to Law and Arts and Māori Development and Advancement.”

“Each recipient is performing well in their academic field, and we have high hopes for the contribution they’ll make to te ao Māori and Aotearoa. 

“Scholarship funds will help ease to cost of paying for a tertiary education for each student.”

Ms O’Brien said the trustees are impressed with the contribution former scholarship recipients continue to make to business, their communities and iwi.

The 2023 Te Waiu o Aotearoa Trust scholarship recipients are:

• Gladys Ihuwai Henderson, Te Arawa, who is in her second year of the Doctor of Māori Development and Advancement at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
• Alexander Hill, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, who is in his fourth year of a Conjoint Bachelor of Arts and Law (Honours) with majors in economics and Māori studies at the University of Auckland.
• Michelle Austin, Ngāi Tahu, who is in her third year of a Bachelor of Business, with a major in accounting at the Massey University.
• Te Iwitoa Kruger-Taylor, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Maniapoto, who is in her third year of a Bachelor of Commerce with majors in finance and marketing at the University of Auckland.
• Dallin Lawrence, Waikato Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāpuhi, who is in his third year of a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Otago.
• Atakura Hunia, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Awa, who is in her fourth year of a Bachelor of Commerce with majors in innovation and entrepreneurship, and minors in management and marketing at the University of Auckland.

 Alexander Hill says he’s “incredibly grateful” to receive the scholarship and says he wants to use what he learns in his studies to help his community.

“I'm stoked to receive the Te Waiu o Aotearoa Trust scholarship and super grateful to my parents, whānau and friends for their endless support. 

“This scholarship means a lot to me because it's not just about the money but more a recognition of the work and effort that has gone into my studies these past few years.

“I am incredibly grateful to the Te Waiu o Aotearoa Trust for backing me and supporting me as I continue my academic journey.

“At the same time, I am mindful of the responsibility that comes with this scholarship. In my view, this scholarship is a reminder of the obligation we recipients have to contribute to the betterment of our communities.”

Applications for the 2024 study year scholarships will be open from 10 July 2023.