Victoria University Students Receive Double Blessing

Rāmere 25 o Haratua / Friday 25 May

Victoria University Students Receive Double Blessing Through Partnership with Ngāpuhi Rūnanga

Four Ngāpuhi students studying at the Victoria University of Wellington have had their education scholarships doubled, thanks to a funding partnership between the university and Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi O Ngāpuhi (the Rūnanga).

In 2016, the Rūnanga signed a relationship agreement with the university, under the Taihonoa Scholarship Programme. The agreement brings together common goals between the university and the Rūnanga – to lift academic success, and aims to recruit and graduate more Ngāpuhi students. The partnership provides an opportunity for an applicant who is awarded a Ngāpuhi Tertiary Education Scholarship, to be eligible for a 100% increase, with Victoria University matching the scholarship dollar for dollar. Erin Kennedy is one of the fortunate benefactors of this partnership and is thankful for the support to continue her studies.

“I’m really thankful to be selected for a scholarship” says Erin. “I completed a conjoint commerce and law degree last year, and returned this year to pursue Te Reo Maori studies. My connection to Ngāpuhi is through my grandmother and I’m proud and grateful to be acknowledged by the Ngāpuhi Rūnanga and the University. Thank you”.

Since 2009 the Rūnanga has awarded more than $840,000 to Ngāpuhi studying towards certificates, diplomas, bachelors, masters and doctorates.

This year, 70 scholarships were awarded, including four PhD and five Masters students.

Rūnanga CEO Lorraine Toki says

“The Rūnanga is proud to support all Ngāpuhi in higher learning. Through this partnership with Victoria University, we’re able to support the Ngāpuhi leaders, engineers, nurses, teachers, entrepreneurs, lawyers and scientists of tomorrow to help create a better future for our people”

Ends.

© Scoop Media