New Tourism scholarship announced.

June 14, 2016

New Tourism scholarship announced.

Ngāi Tahu Tourism is delighted to announce a new scholarship, Te Pia Tāpoi, for Ngāi Tahu students.

Ngāi Tahu Tourism Chief Executive Quinton Hall says the scholarship is an exciting opportunity for Ngāi Tahu students who are studying towards a tourism qualification.

“We are looking for the future stars who can see the potential of our tourism business and want to make their mark in this dynamic industry,” he says.

“We will be offering support with study fees, the chance for paid holiday work and invaluable work experience across our eight iconic tourism entities, plus amazing opportunities to grow cultural skills and learn more about the iwi.”

Scholarship applicants must be registered with the Ngāi Tahu Whakapapa Unit and be enrolling, or currently studying for an NZQA-approved tertiary qualification in tourism to be eligible for up to $6,000 per annum toward course fees for three years. Holiday work will be available in either Queenstown, Rotorua or Franz Josef during the summer holiday period and the scholarship winner will also have the opportunity to participate in Aoraki Bound.

Quinton Hall says the tourism industry is one of New Zealand’s most dynamic and fastest growing industry sectors and one of the country’s top economic earners.

“We want to help more Ngāi Tahu build careers within the tourism sector and this new scholarship, working with eight universities, will assist Ngāi Tahu whānau to develop as leaders. Establishing internal initiatives like this ensures that the passionate group of people who make up our businesses will continue to advance the iwi,” he says.

Ngāi Tahu Tourism is one of New Zealand’s largest tourism businesses, operating some of the most iconic experiences in Aotearoa - from the thrills of the Shotover Jet to the tranquillity of the Hollyford Valley. The business hosts almost one million manuhiri (visitors) a year.

“We have made a conscious effort to grow authentic and extraordinary tourism experiences to develop a diversified portfolio that showcases the very best of what New Zealand can offer to national and international travellers,” says Quinton Hall.

“We share real connections and extraordinary experiences with our customers. We share our Ngāi Tahu stories with them and we leave them with indelible memories and a sense of genuine connection with New Zealand. That’s what most important to us.”

The profits from Ngāi Tahu Tourism are used for further investment opportunities and are distributed back to the iwi to support cultural, educational, social and wellbeing initiatives. Te Pia Tāpoi is a good example of that says Quinton Hall.

Applicants can apply on the Ngāi Tahu Tourism website under Scholarships – http://www.ngaitahutourism.co.nz/

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