28 January 2007 Media Statement

Unlocking Maori potential in the IT industry

Minister for Maori Affairs, Parekura Horomia, today launched the EDS Maori scholarship programme and announced that the Ministry of Maori Development, Te Puni Kōkiri will match EDS’s contribution dollar for dollar.

EDS New Zealand in partnership with the Maori Education Trust are funding 5 new scholarships for Maori rangatahi studying at an NZQA tertiary institution in an IT or business related field.

“Not only are EDS providing financial support to rangatahi studying IT related subjects but they are also providing them with hands on industry experience through paid work placement during the holidays,” Mr Horomia says.

“EDS New Zealand is a subsidiary of EDS Corporation, the world's largest IT outsourcing company, based in Plano, Texas. Employing approximately 117,000 people, EDS Corporation supports more than 35,000 business and government clients in 60 countries around the world.

“Maori have an opportunity to work towards carving out their own place in this new technological era by getting involved in an industry right at its heart.

“The partnership between the public service and a corporate organisation is also a new and exciting arrangement. Both groups have come together with a shared vision of increasing the presence of Maori in the IT workforce.

“The Labour-led Government recognises how important it is to get behind our rangatahi who want to pursue a career in the IT industry. That is why Te Puni Kōkiri are providing financial support to match the contribution being made by EDS, and therefore doubling the number of available scholarships to 10 over the next three years,” the Minister says.

The EDS Maori IT Scholarship
- Five scholarships will be offered in the 2008 academic year for students studying at an NZQA tertiary institution in an IT or business related field.
- One postgraduate and four undergraduate scholarships are available with the option for EDS to renew them annually.
- Each of the four undergraduate scholarships includes a $5000 study grant, EDS mentoring and EDS paid work placement during the holidays.
- The one postgraduate scholarship includes a $10,000 study grant, EDS mentoring and EDS paid work placement during the holidays.
- Students can apply for the scholarship through the Maori Education Trust at www.maorieducation.org.nz
- Te Puni Kōkiri will match EDS’s contribution dollar for dollar – doubling the number of scholarships avaliable over the next 3 years.

ENDS

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