March 28, 2026

#national: Top Māori students recognised in prestigious Ngārimu scholarships

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 28, 2026

Exceptional Māori students from across Aotearoa have been recognised in the 2026 Ngārimu VC and 28th Māori Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards, celebrating academic excellence, leadership and commitment to community.

The scholarships were presented at Parliament in Wellington, bringing together whānau, iwi and education leaders to honour the latest cohort of recipients.

This year’s awards recognise a diverse group of tauira Māori, including doctoral, master’s, undergraduate and vocational education students, reflecting a broad range of academic pathways and achievements.

The Ngārimu scholarships are among the most prestigious Māori education awards in the country. Established in 1945, they commemorate Victoria Cross recipient Second Lieutenant Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Ngārimu and the legacy of the 28th Māori Battalion, whose service and sacrifice during the Second World War remain a defining part of Aotearoa’s history.

The awards aim to support Māori students who demonstrate the values associated with the Battalion, including leadership, determination and service to others. Recipients are selected not only for academic success, but also for their commitment to giving back to their whānau, hapū and iwi.

Alongside the scholarships, the ceremony also celebrates rangatahi through initiatives such as the Ngārimu Video and Waiata competitions, providing opportunities for younger Māori to connect with the history and legacy of the Battalion while expressing their identity through storytelling and performance.

Education leaders say the awards continue to play a vital role in fostering Māori success across generations, while keeping alive the memory and values of those who served.

For recipients and their communities, the scholarships represent both recognition and responsibility – a continuation of a legacy grounded in service, resilience and the pursuit of excellence.