Meet our Scholarships team
Our dedicated team is here to support you from the moment you receive your Scholarship, throughout your studies, and until you return home.
The International Development Scholarships team is your main point of contact at the University. When you arrive, you will meet your International Student Officer, who will provide you with advice and support during your study.
For general queries, email manaakinzscholarship@vuw.ac.nz
International Development Scholarships Manager
Ryan Stuart
International Development Scholarships Manager
Student Experience and Wellbeing
Kia ora, I am a Canadian New Zealander and have previously worked for the Government in social welfare and for non-government organisations in youth work and alternative education. One of my highlights of working in the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships team is learning about the different cultures our students are from and sharing with them my favourite parts of life in Wellington and New Zealand.
Contact Ryan about Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship programme management at Victoria University of Wellington.
International Development Scholarships Financial Admin
Vivian Wei
International Development Scholarships Financial Administrator
Student Experience and Wellbeing
Kia ora and Ni Hao, I was born in China and came to Wellington, New Zealand, to study in 2003. During my years of study and living in this ‘coolest little capital in the world’, I decided to stay in New Zealand after graduation. I have previously worked in the Faculty of Science and started my Financial Administrator role in the Scholarships team in 2016.
Contact Vivian about Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships programme financial administration, including reimbursements, stipend payments, and deductions.
Dom Kafatolu
International Development Scholarships Adviser
Student Experience and Wellbeing
Kia Orana and Mālō e lelei, I am a Tongan/Cook Islander born and raised in the village of Porirua, Wellington. I completed my Bachelor of Arts, Honours and Masters of Education all at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and was a part of the Cook Islands and Tongan students associations throughout. I have previously worked in a variety of roles at the University and in the community helping to support Pasifika youth to thrive.
Contact Dom about Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship support for undergraduate students and postgraduate students of the School of Architecture and the Faculty of Science.
Rara Sekar Larasati
International Development Scholarships Student Adviser
Student Experience and Wellbeing
Kia ora, I’m an Indonesian researcher-educator with a focus on young people, community, critical pedagogy, art and activism. I completed my Master of Arts in Cultural Anthropology from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and have previously worked as an education consultant for local communities, unions, international non-governmental and governmental organisations both in Indonesia and New Zealand.
Contact Rara about Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship support for undergraduate students and postgraduate students of Arts, Education, TESOL, Indigenous Studies, Health, Public Policy and Government, International Relations, Strategic Studies, Professional Accounting and Professional Business Analysis.
