Mana Whenua Scholarship
Background
In 2021, Te Kuratini o Waikato (Wintec) met with mana whenua (hapū) as part of its commitment to fostering an enduring relationship. One outcome of these hui was the establishment of Mana Whenua Scholarships for iwi and hapū with whom Te Kuratini has a relationship.
The Mana Whenua Scholarship expands on existing scholarships offered by Te Kuratini, including the Dame Te Ātairangikaahu and Hare Puke scholarships, and aligns with funding provisions from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). These scholarships acknowledge the need to support our most underserved ākonga and contribute to achieving our organisation’s commitment to Māori and Pacific outcomes.
About
The scholarship contributes up to $2,000 per year towards:
- Tuition fees or
- Course-related costs (e.g., tools, materials, workshops)
Applications are assessed monthly.
Eligibility
Applicants must be registered or endorsed by their affiliated iwi, hapū, or marae recognised as mana whenua by the Ngā Manu Taupunga senior Māori leadership group of Wintec.
Tuition fees support for the following subjects:
Business, Counselling, Early Childhood Education, Education, Engineering & Industrial Design, Health, Hospitality & Events, Information Technology, Media Arts, Midwifery, Nursing, Physiotherapy
Course-related costs support for the following subjects:
Business and Administration, Law and Employment Pathways, Horticulture and Arboriculture, Construction and Trade Skills, Automotive and Mechanical Engineering, Baking and Culinary Arts, Electrical and Plumbing, Hairdressing and Beauty Services, Health and Wellbeing, Exercise and Fitness
Conditions
Applicants must complete the appropriate online application form:
- Tuition Fees Support Application Form or
- Course-Related Costs Support Application Form (completed with support from Kaitūhono mahi for trades students)
Each application must include:
- The completed the appropriate online application form including,
- Personal statement, video, or voice recording
- Scholarship referee questionnaire. It is preferable that your is referee is from your iwi, hapū, or marae. However we will accept references from a high school teacher, employer, community/church leader or sports coach etc. The Māori Achievement Unit will confirm your whakapapa with an endorsement from Mana Whenua. If you choose a Wintec tutor as your referee, you must also provide an additional external reference, such as an employer, community or church leader, sports coach, etc.
Note:
- Applications may be endorsed by email from marae or hapū representative.
- Applications may be submitted in English or Māori.
- Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview.
How to Apply
To apply for Tuition Fees Support, please complete the Tuition Fees application form.
To apply for Course-Related Costs Support, please complete the Course-Related Costs application form.
Please ensure your referee completes the scholarship referee questionnaire.
More Information
For more information, please contact scholarships@wintec.ac.nz.
You can view the 2025 regulations below.
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2025 Mana Whenua Scholarship Regulations v1.6 pdf, 110 KB
