Growing the next generation of Kaiako Reo Māori
Iwi Workforce Development Scholarships Programme
Please read all information on this page
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao with the support of Matāra Ltd. is pleased to offer scholarships to support the 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 from the Ministry of Education, and are designed to grow a strong, sustainable Māori-medium teaching workforce for our iwi and communities.
Applications Close 25 July
The application button is at the bottom of this page
Before applying:
Read the Information and Criteria section
Download the Whakapapa Form (this needs to be downloaded, completed, and ready to upload)
Have a copy of your proof of enrolment from your tertiary provider.
Have a copy of your most recent academic transcript (if available).
Have an image of your Student ID.
Have a copy of your CV.
This application requires a Google account to complete. If you don't have one or need assistance, please get in touch with us at hekurahuia@gmail.com
We recommend preparing your responses to the following questions prior to completing your application. You may copy and paste your responses directly into the form. Each response must not exceed 150 words.
Why do you want to become a kaiako in rumaki reo or reo rua education?
How do you see your teaching contributing to the aspirations of your iwi and wider community?
What are your long-term goals as a kaiako?
What challenges might this scholarship help you to overcome in your study journey?
Mentorship support is available as part of this scholarship - what type of support would you find most valuable, and when during your studies would it be most beneficial?
Information and Criteria
He Aha?
What is it?
He Kura Huia is a scholarship programme funded through the Ministry of Education’s Iwi Workforce Development initiative.
The programme supports tauira to become kaiako reo Māori by providing funding to help them access, continue, and complete Initial Teacher Education (ITE) in Māori Medium pathways, including kura kaupapa Māori and rumaki reo Māori settings.
He Kura Huia is administered by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao, with operational support from Matāra Ltd.
Mō Wai?
Who can apply?
These scholarships are for tauira Māori who:
whakapapa to Te Arawa and/or Ngāti Manawa
are currently enrolled, in primary or secondary Initial Teacher Education (ITE)
are studying Māori Medium or kaupapa Māori teaching pathways
Preference will be given to tauira who intend to teach in the Te Arawa–Ngāti Manawa regions after completing their studies.
*please note Early Childhood Education Teacher training is not an eligible field of study for this scholarship.
What will you receive?
Successful applicants may receive:
scholarship funding to support study costs
targeted bursary support for urgent needs (e.g. transport, childcare, placements).
mentoring support
opportunities to attend wānanga and connect with other tauira.
Support is designed to help tauira stay in study and complete their teaching qualification.
Te Whiwhi?
Ngā Karahipi
First Year Student Scholarship
3 Available
Total value: $24,000
Paid as:
$12,000 in 2026
$12,000 in 2027 (conditional on successful completion of Year 1 and ongoing eligibilityof continuation into Year 2)
Second Year Student Scholarship
2 Available
Total value: $24,000
Paid as:
$12,000 in 2026
$12,000 in 2027 (conditional on successful completion of Year 2 and ongoing eligibility of continuation into year 3).
Third Year Student Scholarship
2 Available
Total value: $9,500
Paid as a one-off award in 2026.