New Zealand’s 2026 Rhodes Scholars will build on their exceptional academic skills in AI, Indigenous studies and engineering in their time at the University of Oxford.

Lily Stelling, Naianga Tapiata and Jannik Wittgen were this week announced as winners of one of the most prestigious academic scholarships in the world.

New Zealand Rhodes National Secretary Professor Duncan McGillivray says the quality of applications for this prestigious award is always exceptional and this year was no different. He praised the calibre and integrity of the three scholars-elect, noting that the committee was proud to be able to give this opportunity to students with such diverse backgrounds and interests.

"We look forward to following the careers of Lily, Naianga and Jannik into what we're sure will be a very successful future."

Lily Stelling

Lily Stelling will use her time at Oxford to complete a Master of Philosophy in International Relations, and to follow her passion for AI safety.

Lily has a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in maths, economics and philosophy from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, and an honours degree in mathematics and statistics at the University of Queensland.

Her love for mathematics and philosophy “stems from the joy of pursuing the truth rigorously, even when it challenges conventional thinking”, she says. This mindset led her to co-found Make It 16 NZ, when she was just 18 years old, campaigning for the voting age in New Zealand to be lowered to 16-year-olds.

Strongly believing that young people most affected by long-term political decisions deserve a voice, she was also driven by the recognition of the evidence that voting young entrenches lifelong civic participation. “When the Supreme Court later confirmed our constitutional case, I saw firsthand how strategic thinking, leadership and ambition can amplify compassion into real change.”

Seeking a way to harness that knowledge, she discovered AI safety.

“Though unconventional, close assessment of the evidence convinced me that AI safety may be the defining issue of this century, and I urgently sought to dedicate my career to the cause.”

Lily is currently working in England and Europe for SaferAI as a policy associate, contributing her research skills to the cause.

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