March 13, 2026

#education: Five Māori Students Awarded Te Waiu o Aotearoa Trust Scholarships

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 13, 2026

Five tauira Māori from across Aotearoa have been named recipients of the 2026 Te Waiu o Aotearoa Trust scholarships, recognising their academic achievements and commitment to contributing to their communities.

The scholarships are awarded annually to support Māori students pursuing tertiary study, with each recipient receiving $5,000 to assist with education costs. The programme was established in 1994 in partnership with Māori and iwi organisations to promote the education and advancement of Māori, particularly in areas such as business, banking and finance.

Administered by Westpac New Zealand on behalf of the Trust, the scholarships aim to support rangatahi who demonstrate leadership potential and a desire to give back to their communities.

Among this year’s recipients is Ciccone Hakaraia-Turner of Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Raukawa, who is undertaking an honours programme at Auckland University of Technology focusing on international business and exploring opportunities for Māori small and medium-sized enterprises to expand into overseas markets.

Ngaru Hepi of Ngāi Tahu is in her third year at the University of Canterbury studying a conjoint degree in product design and commerce. Her studies combine interests in engineering, technology and international business, with a focus on helping Māori and iwi thrive in global markets.

Another recipient, Matthias Reti-Huch of Ngāti Maniapoto, is studying a Bachelor of Education with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and hopes to pursue a career in teaching. As the first in his whānau to undertake tertiary study, he aims to inspire rangatahi to develop a passion for learning.

Anna-Marie Robison of Ngāti Porou is completing a Bachelor of Business Studies at the Eastern Institute of Technology in Gisborne while working with the Oasis Community Men’s Shelter. Her goal is to help break cycles of poverty and strengthen community wellbeing.

Also recognised is Ayla Turner of Ngāti Maniapoto, who has begun a conjoint Bachelor of Global Studies and Bachelor of Laws at the University of Auckland. She hopes to build a career that supports people through fields such as human rights or Māori land law.

Trust leaders say the scholarship programme continues to support emerging Māori leaders whose aspirations reflect a commitment to service, leadership and strengthening the future of their communities.

Applications for the 2027 Te Waiu o Aotearoa Trust scholarships are expected to open during Matariki later this year.