Special scholarships support impressive Māori STEM students  

A new scholarship has been presented to five high-performing Māori students pursuing degrees in Engineering and Technology at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.  

Funded by Waste Management NZ Ltd, the Whatumoana Paki Scholarship represents a total investment of $480,000, and provides financial assistance to the students for the duration of their studies. 

A special ceremony to formally present the scholarships was held on 6 March at the University, hosted by Kaiārataki Michael Steedman (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei) and Ngā Tauira Māori, the University’s Māori Student Association. There for the ceremony, visiting from Waikato, were representatives of the Kiingitanga, the Waikato Māori King movement.

They have given their blessing for the scholarship to carry the name of Whatumoana Paki QSO, a respected Māori elder, husband of Dame Te Atairangikaahu, the late Māori Queen, father of the late Kiingi Tuheitia Paki, and grandfather of current Māori Kūini, Te Arikinui Nga wai hono i te po. 

Prince Whatumoana Paki Jr presented the scholarships, honouring his grandfather's memory and reflected on his lifelong service to Māori communities. 

“With the gracious permission of my father, Kiingi Tuheitia, and my family, we are privileged to name this scholarship in the memory of Whatumoana Paki. 

“Born in 1927 in Huntly, Whatumoana Paki's father was Wetere Paki of Ngāti Whawhakia. His mother was Frances Paki, née Brown, of Te Aupōuri. He was raised in a family where hard work, resourcefulness, and a strong work ethic were paramount,” said the Prince. 

“As a family, we remember Whatumoana, known to us as Pop, as a man of many talents, known for his skills in carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. But beyond his hands-on expertise, he possessed a unique ability to see value in everything and make do with what he had. 

“He embraced the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle long before they became fashionable. He was known for straightening nails, saving timber, and refining equipment to complete, and his commitment to resourcefulness was a true haki trader. His love for mechanical engines, cars, and trucks led him to countless projects in his old school where he demonstrated a mastery of all trades.” 

“We are confident that these scholarships will find worthy recipients, rangatahi Māori who embody the spirit of ingenuity, resourcefulness and community service that Whatumoana exemplified.” 

Waste Management New Zealand worked with the University to make the sponsorships possible and the Prince along with the Kāhui Āriki appreciated the partnerships.  

“We are confident that the Whatumoana Paki Waste Management New Zealand Engineering Scholarship will inspire future generations of scholars, ensuring that [my grandfather’s] vision of resourcefulness and community service continues to flourish.” 

As a leading provider of materials recovery, recycling, and waste management services, Waste Management NZ Ltd aims to encourage and empower Māori students in these critical fields, strengthening future pathways for Māori in engineering and technology sectors. 

Waste Management Ltd's Iwi Commercial Manager Te Tuanui Paki (Waikato) says it was an incredible day to celebrate the students and their success as they take their next steps in their degrees.

"We are proud to support and uplift rangatahi Māori in these fields, and we look forward to following their journey.

"We see this as the beginning of an enduring relationship, with the hope that one day they will bring their skills, knowledge, and passion back to Waste Management, helping us drive innovation, sustainability and increase diversity in the industry."

Meet the recipients 

WM NZ Taumata Hangarau technology scholarship 

Ngahu Potaka  (Ngāti Whakaue, Tūhoe) 
Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) 

“I'm incredibly proud of who I am and where I come from, and I want to give back to my whānau, hapū, and iwi. There aren't many Māori in this field or in the area, so I see an opportunity to be a role model for them, and I want to show them that it's possible to follow your aspirations.” 

Benicio Wishart  (Ngāti Raukawa, Horowhenua / Manawatū) 
Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Science 

“Once I complete my studies, I aim to use my skills to have a positive contribution to my community and the tech industry as a whole. I also aim to innovate or invent a new piece of technology that can help solve the global environmental challenges we face in the 21st century. I hope that my contributions are also used to inspire the next generation of tech enthusiasts to continue the trend of using technology for positive change on a global scale.” 

Whatumoana Paki – WM NZ engineering scholarship 

Jeneva Burns (Ngāpuhi, Ngāpuhi ki Whaingaroa, Ngāti Kahu ki Whaingaroa, Ngāi Tahu, Tainui) 
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) 

“My biggest inspiration for pursuing engineering is my whānau and the desire to be Māori in a space where there are so few. Representation matters, and I want to contribute to creating a stronger presence for Māori in engineering and technology. This scholarship not only supports me financially but is also a proud achievement that motivates me to keep pushing forward in my studies. It serves as a reminder that my journey is bigger than just myself. It’s also for my whanau and future generations.”  

Lily Haldane (Te Ātiawa, Ngāruahine)
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

 “Over the past few years, I have spent many hours reconnecting with myself and my taha Māori. Researching my whakapapa and learning the stories of my tūpuna, reuniting with my wider whānau and finally returning to my tūrangawaewae, Taranaki, early last year. "

Ryder Gee (Ngāpuhi)
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

“I plan to contribute to my community through software engineering by eventually creating a business and developing solutions to everyday problems people may face. This pathway gives me a way of leveraging the fast-paced technological development of society in a way that can support my community and field to create unique solutions that make a difference.”