Auckland Student Teachers Receive Kupe Scholarship

Nine Auckland-based student teachers have been awarded Kupe Scholarships by Associate Education Minister Kelvin Davis in a ceremony held in Parliament, Wellington, today.

The prestigious scholarships recognise highly accomplished Māori and Pacific students and support them to complete their teaching qualification and gain further success teaching in New Zealand.

Ministry of Education’s Deputy Secretary, Early Learning and Student Achievement, Ellen MacGregor-Reid says, "the Kupe scholars are highly-accomplished."

Each year, 30 Kupe Scholarships are awarded to Māori and Pacific students based on strong academic success and demonstrable leadership experience in their respective communities.

"These individuals are passionate about their respective communities, passionate about the kaupapa and will be welcomed to the profession when they graduate," she says.

Each recipient has an incredible back story of drive and purpose that has got them here today. "I congratulate them and look forward to hearing more from them in the future."

Kupe scholarship recipients will have their course fees paid; receive a $15,000 study allowance, professional mentoring and assistance with finding a job. The scholarship is worth over $25,000.

More than 70 applications were received for the 30 available scholarships.
Auckland Scholars:

Ungatea Sefesi, Tonga/New Zealand European,The University of Auckland, Graduate Diploma of Teaching; Saniata Tafatu, Niue/Kiribati,The University of Auckland, Graduate Diploma of Teaching; Loata Tiapapa Cook Island/Samoa, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Masters of Teaching and Learning; James Auina Kaleti, Samoa/Tokelau, The University of Auckland, Bachelor of Education (Teaching); Tania Rangiheuea, Māori - Te Arawa, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Manu, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Graduate Diploma of Teaching; Te Anini Young, Māori - Ngai Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa, Kai Tahu, The University of Auckland, Graduate Diploma of Teaching; Liam Ngaariki Muru, New Zealand European/Māori - Tainui, Ngāti Ranginui, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Bachelor of Teaching; ECE Pasifika Melina Amos,Tanzanian/New Zealand European/Māori - Kai Tahu, The University of Auckland, Bachelor of Education (Teaching); Rhonda Togipau, Samoa/Niue, New Zealand Tertiary College, Graduate Diploma of Teaching.
ENDS

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