Iwi funding
To access funding for tertiary education from Iwi you need firstly to be registered as a descendant. The Iwi registration forms may be downloaded here. Individual iwi websites are listed here.
If you need help finding out which Iwi you belong to, or Iwi endorsement details, please contact the Kaiarahi.
Mana Pounamu Awards
Scholarships are awarded to senior recipients of this award for up to three years for a specific programme of study.
Students must live within the Otago boundaries and applications for this Scholarship are submitted via the participating high schools in the Otago region. They are awarded to any iwi.
Otago Polytechnic/Runaka Scholarship
Available for up to three years for a specified programme of study.
You must be able to whakapapa back to Moeraki, Huirapa ki Puketeraki, Otakou or Hokonui marae.
If you need help to find out which Marae your family is affiliated to, please contact the Kaiarahi.
You will also need Kai Tahu iwi registration as a descendant to apply for this scholarship.
If you whakapapa back to more than one of these four hapu, you are best to register with each hapu and see the Kaiarahi for hapu registration information.
As the application forms layout gets updated annually, they may be on the website or contact the Kaiarahi.
Otago Polytechnic/Mataawaka Scholarship
These scholarships are awarded to non Kai Tahu Maori students studying at Otago Polytechnic.
Each scholarship awarded covers one year of tuition fees. This scholarship has been developed within a relationship between Otago Polytechnic and local Kai Tahu Runaka.
As the application forms layout gets updated annually, they may be on the website or contact the Kaiarahi.
Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu (TRONT)
Awards scholarships to fund tertiary study for those who whakapapa Kai Tahu via one of its subsidiary companies, as well as grants to help with general living costs each year.
You need to be registered as a descendant to apply for these scholarships or grants.
Other Iwi
There are scholarships or study grants available for people in tertiary study from various other Iwi.
You will need to be registered as a descendant with your Iwi and perhaps your Hapu.
These scholarships usually open early in the year and close by the end of March each year.
Download the application directly from the iwi website or see the Kaiarahi.
Other Māori Agencies
There are other Māori Agencies who supply scholarships. Applications for these usually close by the end of March each year.
Let us know if you would like further information on these. For example, Maori Education Trust, Hauora Maori Scholarships etc
If you have any questions about these Scholarships, or require some assistance, please feel free to contact us on 0800 762 786 or via email kaiarahi
op.ac.nz.
Further scholarship information is also available here. While you are studying at Otago Polytechnic, the Kaiarahi contacts students via their email to pass on Scholarships information as it becomes available.