This year also marks the 10^th anniversary of the scholarships, which honour Māori and Pacific student teachers for their exceptional academic performance and leadership potential.

The Kupe Scholarship, valued at over $22,000, is designed to attract and support top Māori and Pacific students into the teaching profession. The funding assists them in pursuing careers in early learning, primary and secondary education.

The new scholars will be celebrated at an awards ceremony hosted by the Minister of Education, Hon Erica Stanford, at Parliament Buildings on Thursday 8 August.

Congratulations to all our 2024 Kupe Scholars. A full list of this year’s scholars is below.

For information on applying for the next round of Kupe Scholarships, visit the Education Workforce website.

Kupe scholarships – Education Workforce

Māori Kupe scholars

Ezra Rua Blair (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga)

Janaya Cassidy (Ngāi Tūhoe)

Chelsea Connor (Ngāpuhi)

Te Awhina Eraira Dawson (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Kahungunu)

Waiarani Edwards (Waikato)

Lewis Te Rito Johnson (Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongowhakaata, Rangitāne, Ngāti Īnia)

William Kopa (Ngaati Rora, Ngaati Maniapoto)

Erena Bridy Lundon (Ngāpuhi, Waikato)

Molly Joy Maitland (Ngāti Porou)

Martine Puketapu

Stephanie Rangitaawa (Ngāti Maniapoto)

Kowhai Riwhi (Ngāti Kahu, Te Tai Tokerau)

Te Ao Marama Roberts (Tainui, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Reko, Te Whānau a Iritekura)

Te Rina Ngawhare-Ronalds (Waikato, Ngāti Whawhakia, Ngāti Hine)

Zoe Ripeka Smith (Ngāti Kahungunu)

Anahera Taramoeroa (Ngāi Takoto, Kapotai)

Marrisse Te Kani Love (Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi)

Teihorangi Walden (Taranaki)

Cindy May Wallace (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa)

Peta Betty-Jean Walsh (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Te Uriroroi, Te Parawhau/Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Kinohaku)

Terina Mihi Caroline Wihongi (Ngāti Te Ara, Ngāti Kōpaki, Ngāti Hine)

Ruby Wineti (Ngāti Kahungunu, Tainui)

Pacific Kupe scholars

Lotu Faitauga Ausage

Lesley Ma’u Donald (Tonga – Nomuka, Ha’apai and Fasi Moe Afi)

Lourdes Lefaoseu (Samoa and Cook Islands - Mangaia)

Claudia Catherine Lepa (Samoa)

Sheemal Vandana Ram

Kafoatu Hala Schreurs (Tonga)

Lilly Elizabeth Sopoaga (Samoa - Apia, Manono, Fasito’otai, Fagaloa, Falelatai, Faleasiu)

Telesia Joy Teasdale