Categories: News

Kupe scholarship winners announced

Education minister Nikki Kaye has congratulated 30 highly-accomplished Māori and Pasifika student teachers who have been awarded Kupe Scholarships.

The prestigious scholarship aims to attract Māori and Pasifika high achievers to the teaching profession and support them to become inspiring teachers and role models in early childhood, primary and secondary education.

“I’m delighted by the outstanding calibre of scholars that the Kupe Scholarship encourages into a teaching career,” says Ms Kaye.

“These scholars have already demonstrated high academic achievement, leadership, and close links with their communities.

“This scholarship provides them the opportunity to make a real difference to children and young people, from early childhood education through to secondary and right across the country.”

The Kupe Scholarships fund course fees and study allowances, and offer mentoring and recruitment support after graduation.

“The scholarships are part of our drive to encourage more high calibre professionals into teaching, with a strong focus on increasing the number of Te Reo Maori speakers,” says Ms Kaye.

Kupe scholar Kathleen Mendes has worked in accounting for two decades and is now training to be a teacher

“I’m delighted that once again we have a wide range of scholars, from a former Manu Samoa rugby player (pictured top), a grandmother who has changed careers from accountancy and the resident composer for the New Zealand Secondary School and New Zealand Youth Choirs.

“People come from a variety of backgrounds. Several of the scholars have families and credit their children with inspiring them to want to teach. Others are young men and women just starting out on their careers.”

More than 90 applications were received for the 30 available scholarships.

Alongside the funding each recipient also receives taonga keepsakes in the form of a stylised paddle ‘hoe’ or waka / vaka / va’a as a permanent recognition of their achievements.

School News

School News is not affiliated with any government agency, body or political party. We are an independently owned, family-operated magazine.

Recent Posts

New eLearning modules for new and aspiring principals

The Ministry of Education has released new self-directed eLearning modules for beginning and aspiring principals.

6 days ago

New report finds NZ schools vulnerable to climate change

Many of our schools are built in coastal areas at risk of flooding from continued…

6 days ago

Fostering a love of stories in a child’s first years is key to lifelong reading

Elaine Reese from the University of Otago explains how we can ensure future generations develop…

6 days ago

Why your school needs a maintenance plan

Well-maintained facilities positively impacts everyone in your school community, and planning ahead will make maintenance…

6 days ago

Can you hear me? Sports hall acoustics

We ask the experts how to manage the variety of sounds in sports halls, that…

6 days ago

Study strategies to teach your students

These study strategies can help students maximise their time for no-stress study sessions. Help your…

2 weeks ago