Background

In 1939, when New Zealand joined forces with the allies, Māori men and women volunteered and made a significant contribution in all areas of the defence forces, and home services. Notable among them were the recruits who formed the 28th (Māori) Battalion. They fought with distinction in many engagements and perhaps the soldier whose deeds are best known among Māori is Second Lieutenant Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Ngārimu, whose heroism and ultimate sacrifice was acknowledged by the highest military award the British Commonwealth could bestow: the Victoria Cross.

In June 1943, soon after Ngārimu had been killed in action, a gathering of Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau ā Apanui and Pākehā East Coast people took place to consider how to best commemorate the bravery of Ngārimu, and the other members of the 28th Battalion, whose lives had been lost in World War Two. It was decided to establish a scholarship fund to support Māori education. The Ngārimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Scholarship Fund Board was established for the purposes of administering funds that promoted Māori education.

The scholarships support Māori excellence at tertiary level with academic merit being a high priority in the selection.

Eligibility

These scholarships are available to ākonga Māori who are studying or enrolled in an eligible vocational pathway level 5 to 7 and demonstrate characteristics that align with the 28th Māori Battalion.

Value

• Three undergraduate awards - $10,000 each per year of full-time study, for up to five years.
• One master's award - $15,000 per year of full-time study, for up to two years.
• One doctoral scholarship - $25,000 per year of full-time study, for up to two years. The doctoral scholarship is to support doctoral candidates through the final 24 months of study.

More information

Further information is available at the Ministry of Education.

To check if you are studying or enrolled in an eligible vocational pathway level 5 to 7, please use the Qualification search on NZQA’s website.

You can find out more about the 2021/2022 VET scholarship recipients here. This year’s recipients are engaged in beauty, plumbing and construction vocational education and training qualifications.

Do you need help?

If you have any questions about the Ngārimu Scholarships or need help with submitting your entry, please email ngārimu.scholarship@education.govt.nz or phone 0800 165 225.