Success celebrated in the capital

14 February 2012

Success celebrated in the capital

Deidre Utupo, one of more than 50 recipients of scholarships presented at the Wellington Institute of Technology today was thrilled with her award. Deidre is studying towards a Bachelor of Creative Technologies, with a digital media major, and will commence year two of the degree this year. Deidre, who is Samoan, was presented with a Council Pasifika Scholarship today by the Principal of Petone Central School - Fa'atili Iosua Esera. The Pasifika Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate a genuine desire to succeed in their chosen field of study. Applicants are required to demonstrate how study will contribute to Pasifika community development in New Zealand.

Deidre is the youngest of six in her family and the first to study at a tertiary education institution. Deidre attended Taita College, Naenae College and completed her secondary schooling at the Church College of New Zealand in Hamilton before moving to the Gold Coast with her parents. Deidre decided to return to Wellington to study digital media. She liked the style of learning, tutor and student support and applied approach to WelTec’s creative technologies degree.

"WelTec has a fantastic reputation in the digital media industry - both in New Zealand and overseas. WelTec's link to WETA workshop is what really appealed to me about their creative technologies programme. My graphic design tutor really supports me and the encouragement provided by Earl Va'a to go for this award has been really fantastic. I feel really valued at WelTec,” commented Deidre.

Deidre has her goals firmly in sight - she achieved excellent academic results in her first year of study and when she completes her degree she plans to have her own digital media business. "The scholarship is great motivation for me to continue to work hard and do well."

Roger Sowry, Chair of the newly combined Council for WelTec and Whitireia Community Polytechnic addressed the 100-strong audience, "The quality of people putting themselves forward for scholarships this year is particularly high. Applicants’ academic results demonstrated high achievement levels so competition was tough. As well as recognising what students have achieved in getting this far, scholarships are an important recognition of commitment and passion – the two things that are vitally important to future success. This commitment and passion will go a long way to success in these young peoples’ future career."

Background Information

Nine categories of scholarship were awarded:

• Brancott World of Wearable Arts Scholarships
• Federation of Graduate Women Scholarships
• Hutt City Council Centennial Scholarships
• WelTec Ability Plus Scholarships
• WelTec Council Maori Scholarships
• WelTec Council Pasifika Scholarships
• WelTec Council Scholarships
• WelTec Council Secondary School Scholarships
• WelTec Tamaiti Whangai Scholarships

ENDS