Abbey Huriwai (Ngāti Rōrā, Ngāti Kinohaku) has completed her first year of studies towards a Bachelor of Science double majoring in Environmental Science and Ecology and Biodiversity at Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato. Taking interest in environmental sustainability and the damaging impacts facing our taiao, Abbey would like to use her knowledge to assist in improving Maniapoto waterways and native habitat throughout Aotearoa.

“Last year I took part in a project for change within NZ single-use plastic waste, myself and friends/students challenged Mc Donald’s to adopt a “straw on request policy” nationwide. By October 2018 Mc Donald’s announced they would transition to this policy. I learned skills on how to interest large volumes of people via social media and engagement of youth which would be beneficial for community projects ” says Abbey.

Tanirau Manawaiti (Ngāti Rōrā), 2018-19 Graymont (NZ) Limited Scholarship ($1000) recipient, has just completed his first year of study towards a Bachelor of Technology (Environmental Technology) at Wintec (Waikato Institute of Technology). Tanirau has always believed that it is important that whānau and the community are involved and should look to take up Applied Science to achieve increased positive outcomes for Ngāti Maniapoto in the area that associates to kaitiakitanga and the taiao.

“I believe that we must get things right in our own backyard first, then success may breed success as positive outcomes can be shared after thorough and tested application locally.” states Tanirau.

Amai Tahu (Ngāti Paretekawa, Ngāti Waiora, Ngāti Rahurahu) has completed his first year of studies towards He Korowai Akonga: Bachelor of Education (Primary Educaation ) Level 5 program at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. The Te Kūiti Primary School Haka Teacher has a passion for contributing to and empowering our tamariki through Māori performing arts teaching systems that build the capability of the next generation in Maniapoto values of manaakitanga,
kotahitanga, and aroha.

“Me whakaatuhia ai taku ao, me rongorongo katoatia ai te iwi i aku tōmina, taku kaha ki te manaaki te whakatupuranga mai a ngā tamariki mokopuna kei ngā mahi a Tāne Rore, a Hine Rēhia, ko te ao a Rēhua. Me mōhio ake, ko rātou ngā kākā tarahae o āpōpō, mei kore ko rātou, e kore rawa ahau.’ says Amai.

Te Ārita o Ringahora Allen (Ngāti Apakura), a product of Māori tertiary education systems such as Ngā Taiātea Wharekura, has continued to explore her cultural identity through her studies with He Korowai Akonga: Degree in Teaching Primary Level 7 (Year 1) at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Identifying education as a major access point for all ages, Te Ārita believes that education allows people of all ages, particularly in Maniapoto to seek and gain skills that are needed to excel and gain a greater sense of self and to prosper as Ngāti Maniapoto whānui.

“Our cultural heritage is the biggest foundation on how we as Māori, actively participate within the community and integrating our values with others to better live for ourselves and our people” says Te Ārita.

Nukutaiāwhiorangi Waipoua-Bryers(Ngāti Paretapoto, Rereahu) has completed his first year of studies towards a Bachelor of Science (Technology) majoring in Environmental Science and Māori & Indigenous Studies at The University of Waikato. Walking within the science world whilst firmly upholding the importance of mātauranga Māori is crucial for Nukutaiāwhiorangi in this changing world.

“For me, being tangata whenua is part of my cultural identity which connects me as a kaitiaki of my whenua Māori. To maintain the integrity of our whenua and uphold the mana motuhake of our tupuna is my ultimate goal” says Nukutaiāwhiorangi

Joanna Nelson (Ngāti Ngutu), 2017-18 Graymont (NZ) Limited Scholarship ($1000) recipient, has just completed her first year of study towards a Bachelor of Environmental and Society (BES) majoring in Water Management at Lincoln University. Joanna has always had a connection with the Taio, consequently, she first established her connection to Maniapoto during the Maahinaarangi me Tuurongo Rangatahi symposium.

“My time with Waikato had enabled me to attend various hui for the West Coast Harbour Claims and I believe there will be much work needed in these areas which I hope to contribute my knowledge gained from our past leaders and university. I chose to study Environment and Society with a Major in Water Management at Lincoln, because I felt that this degree was something that suited my three passion being people, our environment and our waters.” states Joanna.

Māria PuTamainu (Ngāti Rora) has completed her first year of studies towards a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) program at the New Zealand Tertiary College. The Te Pukeiti Early Childhood Centre (TPECC) Kaikao has a passion for empowering tamariki through interactive teaching systems that focus on supporting the longterm educational aspirations of the next generation.

“I will work in the best interests of our tamariki by affirming Māori learners as tangata whenua and supporting their educational aspirations. I will respect the tamariki and their familial cultural beliefs, which helps build positive, reciprocal relationships.” says Māria