Te Pae Tata Scholarship News

Scholarships Awarded to Three Wānanga Tauira for Environmental Research

Three tauira from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi have been awarded the inaugural Te Pae Tata Scholarship, each receiving a package valued at $29,000. This includes $10,000 in cash, $10,000 for accommodation and pastoral care, and a $9,000 paid internship. 

The scholarship, a partnership between Pūhoro STEMM Academy and the New Zealand Agriculture Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC), was created to support tauira Māori with a passion for Te Taiao (the environment) and a commitment to advancing mātauranga and research in environmental science and climate change. 

Although originally intended for three students, the exceptional calibre of applicants prompted a decision to fund all five finalists, including the three tauira from Awanuiārangi who are currently enrolled in the Te Aka Pūtaiao (Level 5) and Bachelor of Environmental Studies, Te Aho Pūtaiao programmes. 

Violet Walker, National Programme Coordinator and Lecturer in Sciences at Awanuiārangi,  highlights the significance of the scholarship. 

“When I saw that three of the five shortlisted candidates were from Awanuiārangi, I was pleasantly surprised. The scholarship acknowledges the need for more Māori voices in climate research and highlights the incredible mātauranga and talent of our wānanga tauira - a tremendous achievement for all the recipients.” 

This scholarship not only provides financial support but also opens doors to hands-on research experience and mentorship through the paid internship component. It helps to ensure that these tauira will gain invaluable skills and insights that will empower them to become leaders in their respective fields and communities.  

Ariana Ngaronoa is a descendant of several tribes including Te Tairawhiti (East Coast), Tai Hauāuru (West Coast), and te Upoko ō te Ika (Southern North Island). Currently studying Te Aka Pūtaiao (Level 5), she is one of three tauira from Awanuiārangi to receive this inaugural scholarship. She explains her initial reaction to finding out she was a recipient.  

"My reaction was pure shock; I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I felt completely overwhelmed and incredibly humbled. I was shaking, and everyone around me was so kind. It's been over a week since I found out, and I’m still processing it all; opportunities like this can leave you speechless.” 

For Ariana, this opportunity isn't just about personal growth but about contributing to the protection and understanding of Te Taiao.  

"I definitely see this as an amazing chance to guide my career in the direction I want it to go. Te Taiao is the centre of my universe, and I’m excited about all the learning and experiences that will come from this. I'm learning how important it is to take advantage of every opportunity to highlight the significance of Te Taiao in everything we do. 

“To whānau, my advice is simple: make sure you care! Get involved with Te Taiao, strengthen your connection with the environment. We all have our roles to play. 

“We’re only here on borrowed time, so it's important we do our best to be good tipuna for our Uri that are still to come.” 

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi remains committed to fostering the aspirations of Māori tauira in environmental research and looks forward to seeing the positive impact that these future leaders will bring to their communities. 

Find out more about our environmental study programmes.