Sir Robert Mahuta Foundation educ'n funds approved

Media Statement 28 October 2005
For immediate use

Sir Robert Mahuta Foundation education funds approved

Te Arataura, the executive of the Waikato-Tainui tribal Parliament today agreed to grant nearly $1.5-M dollars to establish the Sir Robert Mahuta Foundation Trust.

The former Tainui Maori Trust Board agreed at its last meeting in 1999 that a scholarship fund be established to recognise Sir Robert’s three decades of service to the tribe, and in particular his support and strong promotion of education as a development path for tribal members.

The establishment of the fund was also ratified by Te Kauhanganui at its inaugural meeting that same day.

Annual scholarships from the fund will go toward tribal members doing doctoral or post-graduate studies and research and development projects at the Waikato Endowed College.

The Scholarship will be administered by the Sir Robert Mahuta Foundation Trust which will report annually to, Te Kauhanganui, the Waikato-Tainui Tribal Parliament.

Te Arataura Chair Kingi Porima said he is glad to see this milestone reached.

“We have had some robust discussion and debate on the best way to fulfill Sir Robert’s vision and wishes, and we look forward to the granting of the Sir Robert Mahuta Scholarships to give them shape and form,” Mr Porima said.

Foundation Trustee Mrs Heeni Katipa commended today’s decision:

“The trustees are excited that they will now be able to achieve their objective, and we look forward to welcoming the first scholarship students to the Endowed College in the near future,” she said.

The Mahuta whanau today confirmed that the scholarship will be launched on the 1st of February 2006 to mark the fifth anniversary of Sir Roberts passing.

His daughter Tipa Mahuta said; “We are truly humbled by the opportunity to continue to give service to the people of Tainui as our father wanted, and to see his legacy live on.”

ENDS

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