Te Kōpuretanga Scholarships - investing in future leaders

Te Kōpuretanga recognises academic achievements within the students chosen discipline. Te Matatini Scholarship is awarded to a tauira studying He Waka Hiringa | Masters of Applied Indigenous Knowledge with a focus on kapa haka.

Kaitiaki o te Kura Torua CEO Evie O’Brien welcomed guests and said that “giving back was at the heart of the inception of the Wānanga and remains at the heart of its vision and mission today.”

The legacy from the resolute founders and leaders Dr Rongo Wetere, Boy Mangu, Dr Buck Nin, Rewi Panapa, Dr Diggeress Te Kanawa, Tane Taylor, Mike Watson, Aunty Ma, and many others are carried forward in honour through the names of the scholarships awarded at Te Kōpuretanga.

294 scholarship applications were submitted by tauira this year for the 21 scholarships available.

“Each of the scholarship recipients this year were ‘stand out’s’. Not only for their academic achievements but for their commitment to give back,” said Evie.

Te Matatini Regional Director Loreen Henare attended on behalf of Carl Ross and the organisation to present the two Te Matatini Scholarships to recipients this year.

“It is with immense pride and aroha that we gather to celebrate the recipients of these prestigious and innovative scholarships.

“We’re here to support and to whakanui your journey. You are without a doubt dedicated to your academic and cultural endeavours. You sacrifice and you commit and that’s what we are here to acknowledge today.”

Year One scholarship recipient is awarded to Monowai Turei.

Monowai is a Raukura raised in the philosophies of te ahu mātua and committed to revitalising te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori. She is a founding member of the kapa haka rōpū Ngā Tumanako and a media practitioner, Monowai blends kapa haka a screen production to create cultural platforms that heal, connect and strengthen identity. Monowai hopes to use her studies to use innovation to strengthen the cultural infrastructure that supports kapa haka beyond the stage.

Year Two scholarships recipient is awarded to Grace Taniora (Ngāti Rereahu, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Taranaki Tuturu, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Ngāti Tara Muaupoko).

Now in her second year of studies, Grace is dedicated to advancing kapa haka within her community, whānau, hapū and iwi. As a child Grace was immersed in Māori customs and performing arts. As a kaia she has performed on regional and national stages, using kapa haka as a way to unite people, preserve knowledge, and strengthen cultural identity.

Her vision includes establishing a pā wānanga to revitalise te reo Māori, provide professional development, and ensure kapa haka remains a source of pride and strength for generations to come.

Through her studies she blends traditional knowledge with contemporary practice giving back to her people and fostering cultural growth across Aotearoa.

Congratulations to both recipients.

Grace Taniora was unable to attend.