Waikato Student Teachers Receive Kupe Scholarship

Waikato Student Teachers Receive Kupe Scholarship

Eight Waikato-based student teachers have been awarded a Kupe Scholarship 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.
Waikato Scholars:

Joanna Toloa, Samoa/ Māori - Waikato, University of Waikato, Graduate Diploma of Teaching; Arlenna Porteners, Samoa/New Zealand European/Māori - Kai Tahu, University of Waikato, Bachelor of Teaching; Patricia Sunnex, Samoa/New Zealand European, University of Waikato, Graduate Diploma of Teaching; Damian Darlington, Māori - Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Kai Tahu, University of Waikato, Masters of Teaching and Learning; Moroni Peneha, Māori - Ngāpuhi, Te Atiawa, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, University of Waikato, Bachelor of Teaching; Shannon Mackey, Māori - Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāpuhi, University of Waikato, Graduate Diploma of Teaching; Anthony Hemopo, Māori - Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Pāhauwera, Kai Tahu, University of Waikato, Graduate Diploma of Teaching; Kataraina Hotene, Māori - Ngāti Toa Rangatira, University of Waikato, Graduate Diploma of Teaching.
ENDS

© Scoop Media