Port of Tauranga

Port Awards Scholarship to Local Students

Posted on 30th January 2008

Two new Tauranga students have been named as recipients of a Port of Tauranga scholarship for tertiary study (which brings the total recipients for 2008 to eight).

The Turirangi Te Kani Memorial Scholarships, which honour one of Tauranga's leading community figures, have been awarded annually by the Port for 18 years.

This year's recipients are Brittany Ellis from Tauranga (18), studying for a Bachelor of Physical Education, majoring in sports education, at Otago University and Jessica Rae (18) from Mount Maunganui, studying for a business management degree at Waikato University.

The scholarship is awarded for up to three years' tertiary study to young people from the Tauranga Moana Trust Board area with tribal affiliation with Tauranga Iwi. It recognises not only the contribution made to the community by Turirangi Te Kani, who led the formation of the Matapihi-Ohuku Trust and served on the Tauranga-Moana Maori Trust Board, but also his services and advice to the Port of Tauranga. A veteran of the Maori Battalion, Turirangi Te Kani died in 1990.

"We take an active interest in the tertiary careers of the students we support," said Port Chief Executive Mark Cairns. "The scholarships are awarded on a year-by-year basis and the students report back on their study progress and exam results each year."

All six recipients of the award from 2006 and 2007 have been affirmed to receive the scholarship funds again in 2008. They are Titikawhena Ngatai, Tarere Thatcher and Chris Tipuna (second year); and Kirimatao Ahomiro, Maia Millard and Jasmine Waiari (third year).

For further information please contact:

Mark Cairns
Chief Executive
Port of Tauranga Limited
Ph: 07 572 8829