12 July 2016
Nineteen teachers awarded Auckland Airport 50th anniversary scholarships
Auckland Airport has announced that 19 South Auckland primary, intermediate and secondary teachers and principals will
receive funding towards their professional development as part of the airport’s 50th anniversary $150,000 scholarship
programme.
Anna Cassels-Brown, Auckland Airport’s general manager – people and safety, says, “These scholarships are a tangible way
we can recognise and support the hugely important role local teachers play in our community. They also reward these
teachers’ commitment to continuing to build their professional skills.”
The 19 scholarships cover a range of professional development activities, including post-graduate study that will help
teachers support science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), Māori and Pasifika language and culture and
digital learning.
“The recipients of our 50th anniversary scholarships have chosen areas of study that are very relevant to students in
our local community, and we look forward to seeing South Auckland benefit from this professional support. We cannot
think of a better way to celebrate turning 50,” says Ms Cassels-Brown.
Esther Anitelea from Holy Cross Primary School in Papatoetoe is one of the recipients of a scholarship. She is using her
scholarship funding to study towards a Master of Education degree at the University of Auckland, focussed on Pasifika
learning.
“I’ll be looking at ways to improve my teaching skills to lift the achievement levels of Pasifika students and encourage
more students to go on to tertiary education,” says Esther. “I’m really excited to be able to do this study and winning
the scholarship has given me the confidence to know I can do it successfully. It just wouldn’t have been viable
financially without the support of Auckland Airport.”
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