South Island Student Teachers Receive Kupe Scholarship

Ministry of Education

EMBARGOED UNTIL 4:00pm, Thursday 16 August 2018

Six South Island-based student teachers have been awarded a Kupe Scholarship by Associate Education Minister Kelvin Davis in a ceremony held in Parliament, Wellington, today.

Four of the students are based in Christchurch; the other two in Dunedin.

The prestigious scholarships recognise highly accomplished Māori and Pacific students and support them to complete their teaching qualification and gain further success teaching in New Zealand.

Ministry of Education’s Deputy Secretary, Early Learning and Student Achievement, Ellen MacGregor-Reid says, "the Kupe scholars are highly-accomplished."

Each year, 30 Kupe Scholarships are awarded to Māori and Pacific students based on strong academic success and demonstrable leadership experience in their respective communities.

"These individuals are passionate about their respective communities, passionate about the kaupapa and will be welcomed to the profession when they graduate," she says.

Each recipient has an incredible back story of drive and purpose that has got them here today. "I congratulate them and look forward to hearing more from them in the future."

Kupe scholarship recipients will have their course fees paid; receive a $15,000 study allowance, professional mentoring and assistance with finding a job. The scholarship is worth over $25,000.

More than 70 applications were received for the 30 available scholarships.

South Island Scholars:

Ulimasao Pesefea, Samoa, University of Canterbury, Graduate Diploma of Teaching; Petera Westrupp, New Zealand European/Māori - Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa, Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāti Porou, University of Canterbury, Graduate Diploma of Teaching; Antonio Toetoe, New Zealand European/ Māori - Ngāti Taratokanui, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Hako, University of Canterbury, Graduate Diploma of Teaching; Monique Nees-Kairua, Cook Island/New Zealand European/Māori - Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, University of Otago, Masters of Teaching and Learning; Danielle Craill, Māori - Ngāti Tūwharetoa, University of Canterbury, Bachelor of Teaching and Learning; Erin Scott, New Zealand European/Māori - Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara, Te Uri o Hau, University of Otago, Masters of Teaching and Learning.

ENDS

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