Thanks to the generosity of the the University’s Foundation and other donors, 12 students from seven schools in Porirua and the Hutt Valley have the opportunity to succeed at Te Herenga Waka through the new Ngā Hoe a Kupe Pathfinder Scholarships.
The scholarships are aimed at growing the participation and success of Māori and Pasifika students and those from refugee and low socio-economic backgrounds in Wellington. They provide financial and academic support and accommodation in the first year of study.
Extensive outreach and scholarship workshops by Equity Scholarships Programme Manager Gail Ah-Hi helped students to understand and complete the application process. The scholarships are awarded according to personal attributes such as resilience alongside academic ability. Over half this year’s scholars are the first in their family to attend university.
Each scholar has enjoyed being able to live independently. Shaniyah Monroe (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Raukawa—Horowhenua, Tūhoe), who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science, says, “I love having my personal space and time alone.” Kayla Hilder-Faitele agrees, and adds, “I have just really loved the self-growth.”
Kayla, who is studying for a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Human Resource Management and Employment Relations, is part of a big family, and had moved to her grandparents’ house because there was no room at home. The scholars are all relieved to be able to study without accruing debt, with each scholarship worth $50,000 across three years of study.
“As well as money, these scholarships give our students the wrap-around academic and mentoring support they need to transition into university study, enabling them to make the most of their time here,” says Vice-Provost (Research) Professor Margaret Hyland.
“I have just really loved the self-growth.”
All this year’s scholars met one another for a four-day preparatory programme before the University’s New Students’ Orientation Week, then moved into Weir House together. “This was a highlight. We were strangers at first, but now they are the most reliable and supportive group I could ever ask for,” says Shekyna Lolouta, who is studying towards a Bachelor of Arts in Samoan Studies and Mathematics.
Daniella Gibson is studying for a conjoint Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce, while participating in several student clubs, including the Cambodian Club. “Being head girl and part of my community has taught me I love to look after people, serve people, and fight for social justice. Law is the perfect degree to continue doing those things,” she says.
Each student takes part in the student service and leadership development programme Wellington Plus, and they engage regularly with academic advisers for help with their study plans and assignment review.
“This cohort of students is outstanding. It is a privilege to have them at the University and we can’t wait to see them achieve their goals,” says Professor Hyland.
The scholarships were established in 2017 using funds from the University's divestment of its Karori campus.