Port of Tauranga

Port of Tauranga awards scholarships

Posted on 23rd January 2006

Port of Tauranga Limited today announced the recipients for this year’s Turirangi Te Kani Memorial Scholarships which are designed to help Maori students fund their tertiary education.

This year’s recipients are Kirimatao Ahomiro (18), Maia Millard (17) and Jasmine Waiari (18).

The scholarships have been awarded by the Port of Tauranga for the past 17 years in recognition of the service to the Port and the local Maori community by Turirangi Te Kani.

Turirangi Te Kani, who died in 1990 and fought in the Maori Battalion, founded the Matapihi-Ohuku Trust in Tauranga, one of the largest Maori horticultural ventures, and was a member of a number of other trusts, including the Tauranga-Moana Maori Trust Board.

“The aim of the scholarships is to help support students during their tertiary careers,” said Port Chief Executive, Mark Cairns.

“Because they are awarded on a year-by-year basis it gives us the opportunity to assist and mentor the students during their three years’ of study,” he said.

The conditions of the scholarships require the recipients to report back on their study progress and examination results each year to qualify for further support. Successful applicants must have tribal affiliations with Tauranga iwi.

Kirimatao Ahomiro (Ngaiterangi) is commencing a double degree in law and social sciences at The University of Waikato this year. Maia Millard (Ngaiterangi), will be studying for a Bachelor of Communication Studies, also at The University of Waikato.

Also starting a double degree at the University of Waikato this year, in law and management studies, is Jasmine Waiari (Ngai Te Rangi, Ngati Ranginui).

Last year’s recipients receiving their second-year cheques today are Meremaihi Aloua, Papahuia Dickson and Joshua Gear. Third and final year cheques are being presented to Ben Dickson and Haki Walker.

Mr Cairns will present the successful students with their scholarships at the Port’s offices today, Monday 23rd January 2006.

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