Mahuru marked another successful Aotearoa Scholarship Trust Awards event this year, with 15 tauira receiving financial support for their studies.
Maunga Kura Toi tauira Nina Paaka was one of the recipients and says the scholarship means a lot to her.
"I'm so very grateful for the scholarship, not only financially - obviously - but also for the opportunity to meet with other kairaranga. That's just priceless in itself," she says.
The 32-year-old is in her second year of study for a Bachelor of Māori Arts in raranga, after completing her Level 5 Diploma at the Porirua Campus under kaiako Kui Topia.
Nina - a qualified florist - was introduced to weaving by learning how to make putiputi three years ago. Little did she know how much the art-form would transform her.
"I remember Frank Topia, my first kaiako telling me that it was more than just weaving, it would change my life. And it's true. Mahi raranga has led me to so many things. A connection to my culture being one of them."
The Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tuhoe mother of two was raised by her grandparents in Takapūwāhia, Porirua, and says even though her nan had tried to show her things as a child, she didn't pay much attention. "I guess I wasn't ready, but you find it when you're ready. It's definitely been a spiritual journey," she says.
"Raranga is a great lead in to things Māori. Usually people begin with the creative but soon they want to learn more about the language and the history. It's an awesome way to start learning about our culture."
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa established the Aotearoa Scholarship Trust in 2010 and has presented more than $500,000 in scholarships – ranging from $2500-$5000 - to more than 100 tauira.
Scholarship organiser Janine Manukau says all scholarship recipients are deserving of acknowledgement.
"These students are great role models in the community, to their iwi and hapū and more importantly their whānau which are the driving force behind each and every one of them to make a difference in te ao Māori."
See the full list of scholarship recipients below:
Certificate Names and Aligned Scholarship / Award
|
Scholarship / Award Name |
Student Name |
Value Awarded |
|
Angitū - He Waka Hiringa
|
Raymond Taua Hohipa |
4,000 |
|
Angitū - Māori & Indigenous Peoples Development
|
Lena Morgan |
4,000 |
|
Te Hiringa - Education & Social Services |
Emmy Grady
Chelsea Rennie
Stevie Ngawiki Tuini Hamiora
Richard Maaka |
4,000 |
|
Toi - Māori & Indigenous Arts |
Nina Paaka
Kayla Ratima
Arohanui Harris |
4,000 |
|
Toi - Māori & Indigenous Arts |
Leonard Foley Murupaenga
Averill Allison Roberts |
2,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
Dr Buck Nin Memorial Award |
Racheal Oriwa Ward |
5,000 |
|
Rewi Panapa Memorial Award |
Mihi Smith |
5,000 |
|
Dr Diggeress Te Kanawa Memorial Award |
Te Atiwei Ririnui |
5,000 |
|
Tane Taylor Memorial Awards |
Ruby Oriwia Spooner |
5,000 |
