Te Pūkenga students off to Japan thanks to Prime Minister’s Scholarships
Wintec | Te Pūkenga has awarded 10 Prime Minister Scholarships for Asia, to students in the Te Pūkenga network throughout Aotearoa, including some Wintec students. The 10 students are heading off to complete a six-week internship programme in Tokyo, Japan in 2024, with placements in accounting, human resource management, operations and production, supply chain and logistics, sales and marketing and strategic management.
Te Pūkenga was awarded funding from the New Zealand Government for 10 Prime Minister’s Scholarships in Asia, to enable our learners to broaden their horizons through life-changing learning experiences in Japan. We also have a range of other scholarships available for our students.
Endah Van Wering, 47
What are you studying?
Bachelor of Applied Management, majoring in Accounting for CA pathway at Wintec.
What made you want to apply for the scholarship?
To get the opportunity to learn accounting practices in Japan and their culture through internship programme. I also would like to contribute to the programme using my extensive knowledge in Management Accounting and promote NZ culture and Te Pūkenga values as NZ ambassador to other country.
How did winning make you feel?
I felt fortunate and grateful given the opportunity to learn accounting in other country and felt proud to represent New Zealand/Te Pūkenga in Japan.
Christal Monk, 37
What are you studying?
Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting and Management at the Southern Institute of Technology.
What made you want to apply for the scholarship?
I really want to see New Zealand businesses succeed, particularly SME's. Having failed a small business myself, makes me very passionate to ensure no one else experiences that struggle. Or at least alleviate the pressure as much as possible. The skills that I will learn abroad is something that I want to implement into our local community as soon as I've graduated. This scholarship will give me a better understanding of different cultural business environments. Which will allow me to evolve my perception at international levels in Accounting or Management.
How did winning make you feel?
First and foremost, I would not be here without my three pillars - ihoā, tūpuna and my lucky eight (husband, six kids and I – pictured above). It has been such a surreal moment for my family and I and an absolute happy shock. Although without my three pillars it would not have been possible. Ihoā - for seeing me through all the trials of self-doubt and guidance. Tūpuna - especially to māmā who gave me SO many opportunities in every aspect of my life before she passed. Hubby, ko Roland Monk tōku whaiāipo - my backbone. He has supported me 100 percent and provides our lucky eight with strong foundations of unconditional love and unity in everything we do. While also continuing to give me that extra encouragement to go for gold because he knows my capabilities. My babies - my biggest motivators. Ko Noah rātou, ko "Poppet" (Shirllee-Anne Nicol), ko Jessica, ko Frances, ko Māreikura, ko Kataraina Monk āku tamariki. They are our "why", who give me the determination to keep going to ensure they have a future of prosperity in every aspect of their lives.
Sophie Hughes, 21
What are you studying?
I am studying a Bachelor of Business Studies, majoring in marketing and management at EIT Hawke’s Bay.
What made you want to apply for the scholarship?
I was interested in applying for the scholarship when I saw it advertised on campus. I was immediately interested as I have always wanted to travel overseas for study, and it aligned with my goals in marketing. It was a great opportunity to expand my knowledge, to learn and understand more about how sales and marketing contrasts in different countries to then bring back the knowledge to New Zealand.
How did winning make you feel?
Max Stockley, 21
What are you studying?
I am 2/3 of the way through my Bachelor in Business majoring in Marketing and Sales at the Wellington Institution of Technology.
What made you want to apply for the scholarship?
When I started my degree in 2021 my end game was always to move to Japan and assist a business that is struggling with moving into the western world/culture. I have always, since I was a child, loved Japan pop culture and culture in general so this scholarship sounded like something that was perfect for my dream.
How did winning feel?
Myana Tuakana, 22
What are you studying?
I am currently studying for a Bachelor of Applied Management, majoring in strategic management at Wintec.
What made you want to apply for the scholarship?
I am a proud Cook Islands woman, representing my family and community. I applied for the Prime Minister's scholarship for the opportunity to enhance my knowledge into a practical field, to learn a new cultural aspect, and to have the opportunity to travel.
How did winning feel?
When I received this opportunity, my first go to was to text my parents, then they shared with their colleagues from which I received many compliments. I also then shared with my other family members. I am grateful for this opportunity and obviously excited as well. And can't wait to be on my way to a new experience.
Callum Knight, 26
What are you studying?
I've just finished the Graduate Diploma in Publishing at Whitireia & Weltec. It's an incredible course – we learn about all aspects of the publishing industry, from editing manuscripts to marketing books. If you're interested in entering the industry, you couldn't pick a better way to get there. I was lucky enough to go on work placements to Huia Publishers and Penguin Random House New Zealand, and it's opened up so many opportunities for me.
What made you want to apply for the scholarship?
Way back in intermediate, I began studying Japanese, and in my second year of high school I went on a three-week exchange to Japan. I've wanted to visit again ever since, but life has a knack of getting in the way. This scholarship was an amazing opportunity for me to combine my personal interest in Japan with my career aspirations in publishing and communications. I think there's a huge opportunity for Aotearoa New Zealand publishers to partner with independent Japanese publishing houses and provide high-quality English translations of Japanese literature to international markets (and vice-versa). My hope is that this scholarship will set me up with the industry connections to make that vision a reality.
How did winning feel?
Absolutely stoked. It almost doesn't feel real – I'm finally going back, which has been a dream of mine for a long time.
Dahrian Watene, 32
What are you studying? Where?
I am currently studying my postgraduate diploma in accounting and currently also finishing up my bachelor's in applied management majoring in Māori enterprise at Tai Tokerau Wānanga, NorthTec.
What made you want to apply for the scholarship?
I wanted to learn and gain experience in a world leading economy and be able to apply my experience and mātauranga Māori knowledge within this environment.
How did winning make you feel?
Mitchell Evans, 21
What are you studying? Where?
I am currently studying for a Bachelor of Applied Management, majoring in the CAANZ accounting pathway at Wintec.
What made you want to apply for the scholarship?
When the opportunity initially arose to work an internship in Japan, I was immediately interested but I never thought I would be a nominee.
The idea of learning and working in a foreign country piqued my interest. I believe it would give me unique knowledge and skills that I could apply in my future career, ultimately giving me an eccentric perspective of the accounting industry over my peers.
How did winning make you feel?
