Maori Education - Scholarships Providing Equal Access

Reference & Education

  • Author Sue Gunn
  • Published June 27, 2011
  • Word count 430

Maori education has received much attention from government organisations and private institutions researching the uptake and successful completion of studies of Maori students. This has mainly been the result of lower per capita levels of higher education training from the Maori population when compared to the European based population in New Zealand. However, this plethora of research has highlighted that when Maori are educated in tertiary environments that not only incorporate their culture, but promote and encourage it in all of the facets of learning, that the levels of enrolment and subsequent successful completion of the course of education increases dramatically.

For this reason, many Maori students are turning to tertiary educational facilities that incorporate the Maori culture in the learning process and the environment of the educational facility; with some going as far as having a Marae on the premises. Leading educational institutes who are proactive in responding to these trends additionally offer a wide range of courses, which not only include traditional areas of study such as web and graphic design, sports nutrition and physiology, tourism and hospitality, but offer courses in Maori language, development and interpretation. Furthermore, with the incorporation of the principle of Manaakitanga, which is the concept of caring and support, a culture of success and support is implemented and fostered, contributing to the high levels of completion and future success of those students who experience this style of learning environment.

With the costs of living increasing steadily over the past decade, there have been concerns surrounding the affordability of education, with many not attending tertiary education facilities as a result of the barriers of increasing costs. However, there are numerous scholarships available in New Zealand for aspiring students to apply for; some of which are specifically aimed at the Maori community to increase the access levels of education for all Maori.

Among the numerous websites that offers scholarships, there are specific websites that list information about scholarships for the Maori community, including the eligibility criteria and how to apply. The Maori Education Trust provides numerous scholarships, and much of the information pertaining to the value, process and acceptance procedures can be found on their website. Furthermore, there are several other websites which have a wealth of information relating to the Maori Education scholarships, including Te Puni Kokiri, Te Tapuae o Rehua and Kia Ora Hauora websites.

When contemplating your next stage of your education, ensure that you research the available options for assistance, as well as thoroughly investigate those educational institutions that encourage Maori education and development through the principles of caring and support.

A number of Maori education, funding opportunities and scholarships are available to assist with your study expenses; some are administered by Waiariki while others are offered through various organisations.

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