First Year Rumaki and Reo Rua Teacher Trainees

Please read all information on this page before applying

Applications open

25 June - 25 July

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao with the support of Matāra Ltd. is pleased to offer scholarships to support the continued development of future Te Arawa and Ngāti Manawa kaiako aiming to teach in rumaki and reo rua education.

These scholarships are funded through the Iwi Workforce Development initiative through the Ministry of Education, and are designed to grow a strong, sustainable Māori-medium teaching workforce for our iwi and communities.

He Aha?

The purpose of this scholarship is to:

  • Support tauira Māori entering or progressing through rumaki / reo rua initial teacher education

  • Increase the number of kaiako who can contribute to Māori-medium education

  • Invest in the long-term capability and wellbeing of whānau, hapū and iwi.

Successful applicants will take part in a mentoring programme designed to support their success in study. This will provide guidance, encouragement, and connection to help tauira stay on track and achieve their goals.

Mā Wai?

Scholarships are open to tauira who:

  • Whakapapa to Te Arawa and/or Ngāti Manawa

  • Are enrolled in a recognised initial teacher education programme focused on:

    • Rumaki (Māori-medium)

    • Reo rua (bilingual education)

  • Are in Year 1 of study in 2026 (with continuation into Year 2 in 2027).

Te Whihi?

  • Total value: $24,000

  • Paid as:

    • $12,000 in 2026

    • $12,000 in 2027 (conditional on successful completion of Year 1 and ongoing eligibility i.e., continuation into Year 2)