Ngā Karahipi | Scholarships
As a global community, Te Hapori Matihiko (THM) empowers Māori working or aspiring to work in the digital and tech industries. We advocate for our members, connect them with one another, and provide crucial cultural support, fostering an environment where whānau Māori can be their authentic selves and celebrate their leadership in Te Ao Matihiko.
Our Māori Tech scholarship programme was established to support young Māori individuals pursuing education or work in digital and technology fields.
Rangatahi Tech Pathways Scholarship
An introduction to the Scholarship:
The Te Hapori Matihiko Rangatahi Tech Pathways Scholarship programme was established to support young Māori individuals pursuing education or work in digital and technology fields.
Statement of the scholarship’s purpose:
To support young Māori individuals in their study or work within the broad fields of digital and technology, encouraging their growth and participation in these sectors.
Scholarship Value: $1,000 per scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must be of Māori descent (whakapapa Māori).
Applicants must be aged between 15 and 26 years at the time of application.
Applicants must currently be engaged in formal education, vocational training, or employment within the field of digital and technology.
Academic achievement will be considered as an additional factor but is not mandatory.
The scholarship round for 2025 closes 30 September 2025 @5pm.
Daniel Karehana Memorial Scholarship
An introduction to the Scholarship:
In loving memory and acknowledgement of Daniel and his significant contributions, particularly within the field of Fintech, this Rangatahi Technology Scholarship has been established by Daniel’s whānau. THM is honoured to support the whānau’s wishes by administering this scholarship, empowering young Māori in the tech sector.
Statement of the scholarship’s purpose:
The Daniel Karehana Memorial Rangatahi Technology Scholarship aims to support and empower young Māori individuals actively pursuing pathways in technology. While the scholarship broadly encourages innovation and growth in the tech sector, special consideration will be given to applicants with a business or active involvement in Fintech, in acknowledgement of Daniel’s contributions to that field.
Scholarship Value: $5,000 per scholarship. (to be supported by the Karehana Whānau for the next 2 years)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be of Māori descent (whakapapa Māori).
- Applicants must be aged between 15 and 22 years at the time of application.
- Applicants must currently be engaged in formal education, vocational training, or employment within the field of technology.
- Special consideration will be given to applicants who meet the above eligibility criteria and have a business or are actively involved in the area of Fintech.
The scholarship round is closed. The next round will be available on 1 January 2026.
Microsoft Tech Pathways Scholarship
An introduction to the Scholarship:
This Rangatahi Tech Pathways Scholarship is sponsored by Microsoft New Zealand and was established to support young Māori individuals pursuing education or work in digital and technology fields.
Statement of the scholarship’s purpose:
To support young Māori individuals in their study or work within the broad fields of digital and technology, encouraging their growth and participation in these sectors.
Scholarship Value: $5,000. (a single scholarship)
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must be of Māori descent (whakapapa Māori).
Applicants must be aged between 15 and 26 years at the time of application.
Applicants must currently be engaged in formal education, vocational training, or employment within the field of digital and technology.
Academic achievement will be considered as an additional factor but is not mandatory.
The scholarship round for 2025 closes 30 September 2025 @5pm.
Serko Tech Pathways Scholarship
An introduction to the Scholarship:
Te Hangarau mō te Taiohi Scholarship is a strategic collaboration between Te Hapori Matihiko and Serko, aimed at empowering Māori rangatahi (youth) aged 15–26 to pursue careers in software and data engineering. This initiative offers 2 scholarships valued at $6,000 NZD each, with a flexible support structure that includes financial assistance and mentorship opportunities.
Statement of the scholarship’s purpose:
To create equitable opportunities for Māori youth in the tech sector by reducing financial barriers, enhancing digital literacy, and facilitating pathways to employment through practical, industry-aligned support.
Scholarship Value: $6,000. (two scholarships available)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be of Māori descent (whakapapa Māori).
- Be aged between 15 and 26 years at the time of application.
- Reside in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
- Be enrolled in or intending to enrol in an IT, software, or data-related study programme, or demonstrate commitment to self-directed learning (bootcamps, online courses, open-source projects).
- Academic achievement will be considered as an additional factor, but is not mandatory.
Selection Criteria:
The selection committee will assess applications based on the following criteria-
- Passion for Digital and Technology: Demonstrated enthusiasm and genuine interest in the digital and technology sector.
- Educational and Career Aspirations: Clear and well-articulated goals for their educational and/or career path within digital and technology.
- Current Engagement and Progress: Evidence of current involvement and progress in their technology-related work or studies.
Academic Achievement: Demonstrated academic effort and results (if applicable).
These are the three key focus areas that are aligned to Serko’s future talent needs. If you do not align with at least one of our three key focus areas, unfortunately you cannot apply to this scholarship.
Focus areas: Software Engineering OR Data Engineering OR Design (see below for desired skills/exposure).
Desired Skills/Exposure
- Software Engineering: e.g., Web frameworks (React, Vue, Angular), backend (.NET, Java), APIs, GitHub, TDD
- Data Engineering: e.g., SQL, Python, Azure Data Factory, Power BI, data modelling, scripting, data pipelines
- Design: e.g., Figma, Miro, AI Tools, Design UX/UI – Adobe applications (Photoshop, Illustrator), Animation Design, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Mobile/App knowledge
The scholarship round opens 1 September 2025, and closes 15 October 2025 @5pm.
Sponsors | Kaitautoko
E rere ana ngā mihi ki ngā kaitautoko o Ngā Karahipi! E kore te puna mihi mimiti! We extend our deepest gratitude to you all.
