It was a great pleasure to welcome Catherine Moran, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Canterbury to present the University of Canterbury scholarships at our Senior Prizegiving last week.

Canterbury University

As part of its 150th anniversary celebrations, Canterbury University offered 150 Te Kakau a Māui scholarships for this year (and another 150 for next year) to students attending South Island secondary schools designated decile 1-7. These very generous scholarships offer full fees for a three or a four-year Bachelor’s degree.

We encouraged many of our rangatahi to make the most of this opportunity and apply for these scholarships, and were absolutely delighted for 12 Te Puna Wai o Waipapa students to have been offered Te Kakau a Māui scholarships: 

Jaden Fairweather-Salkeld, Finn Gray-Swann, Owain Harris, Shekinah Mautoatasi, Brianna McHerron, Jessica McMillan, Pearce Mote, Reilly Mullen, Kenchozi Mumford, Simin Sharifi, Zyon Taukamo and Sarah Wright. 

Alongside, Lainetusitala Mefiposeta-Satano Talataiga received both the University of Canterbury Pasifika Engineering Scholarship (Category A) and the University of Canterbury Kaitoko Pacific Scholarship with Leadership programme. Many thanks to Catherine Moran for taking the time and effort to come and be part of our celebration last week, and sincere gratitude to the University for making the scholarships available.

Otago University

Rangatahi were also successful in applications for a number of University of Otago scholarships. Lily Morris was awarded the University of Otago Donna-Rose McKay Entrance Scholarship; Pearce Mote, the University of Otago Māori Entrance Scholarship; Shekinah Mautoatasi, the University of Otago Pacific Peoples’ Entrance Scholarship; Kenchozi Mumford, the University of Otago 150th Anniversary Entrance Scholarship; and Ryan Moore, the University of Otago Dux Scholarship.

Shekinah Mautoatasi was also offered a Te Hererenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington School Leaver Totoweka Scholarship.

There were difficult decisions for some students to make!

Congratulations and best wishes to all our university scholarship recipients. We are very proud of you and confident that you will contribute as valued members of your new learning community as you have at Te Puna Wai o Waipapa.