The Foundation develops and supports scholarship, fellowship and other programmes to support emerging Maori leaders in a range of fields
The Sir Hugh Kawharu Scholarship for Innovation in Science is a $10,000 scholarship for study at masters level in the sciences. The purpose of the Scholarship is to support and encourage masters level study by Māori in the sciences. The Scholarship is administered by the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi.
The Foundation has been proud to support outstanding Māori science scholars since the inception of the Scholarship in 2012 for the 2013 academic year. Past scholarship recipients have won numerous academic awards amongst them, including several PhD scholarships:
Naomi White (Ngāti Te Ata), PGDip Clinical Psychology, Victoria University (2013)
Kate Mauriohooho (Waikato, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Tūwharetoa), MSc, Waikato University (2014)
Tara McAllister (Te Aitanga-ā-Māhaki), MSc, Canterbury University (2015)
Hanareia Ehau-Taumaunu (Ngati Uepōhatu, Ngāti Porou, Te Whanau-a-Apanui, Te Atiawa), MSc, Auckland University (2016)
Stacey Niao (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa), MSc, Wintec (2017)
Riki Parata (Ngai Tahu, Te Atiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Toarangatira), MenvSci, Waikato University (2018)
Arna Whaanga (Rongomaiwahine, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Rakaipaaka), MMst, Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi (2019)
Shannon Bentley (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Waipara, Mureti), MSc, Victoria University (2020)
Sir Hugh Kawharu served as a member of the Auckland Museum Trust Board for 30 years, and was made a Fellow and Companion of the Museum in recognition of his service to the institution. The Sir Hugh Kawharu Scholarship at the Auckland Museum comprises a grant of $10,000 for a student (undergraduate or graduate) enrolled at a New Zealand university in an area of relevance to the Museum's collections or departments and is provided by the Foundation and the Museum. The Museum administers the scholarship.
Past recipients of the scholarship:
Nikau Hindin (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi) (tapa beating) (2014)
Ngahuia Murphy (PhD, mana wahine) (2015)
Lizzy Myers (PhD, marine ecology) (2016)
Kayreen Riana Tapuke (MSc, research award)
One of the past recipients of the Museum scholarship, Nikau Hindin, examined the art of Māori tapa beating as part of her research. In this interview she explains the value of her research and the support provided by the Foundation that enabled that research to happen.
Another recent recipient, Lizzy Myers, is working on a PhD in marine ecology and statistics through Massey University. Her successes are reported in this media article.
The Sir Hugh Kawharu Foundation has established a new scholarship in association with the University of Auckland Business School for emerging, entrepreneurial and professional Māori who wish to undertake graduate studies in business. More information will be provided in due course. The Foundation has also previously supported study by Māori at the Business School through fellowships.
The Foundation sponsors participation by Māori in leadership programmes on an ad hoc basis. This support is generally dependent on co-sponsorship by partner organisations. We advertise and promote sponshorship opportunities as and when they arise - if you or your organisation are interested in co-sponsorship, please get in touch.
Whāia e koe te iti kahurangi - ki te tūoho koe, me maunga teitei.