Port of Tauranga is committed to improving the lives of young Maori through education and provides tertiary scholarships under two schemes. Both offer support of $1,500 per year with recipients eligible for up to three years of support (dependent on academic performance).
Turirangi Te Kani Memorial
The Turirangi Te Kani Memorial scheme was established more than three decades ago in honour of a much-respected kaumatua within the Tauranga community.
Application criteria
• Applicants must have an affiliation to Tauranga Moana iwi (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Pūkenga).
• Applicants cannot receive both scholarships
• Completed Whakapapa Form
• Proof of Enrolment
• Proof of fees paid
• Proof of academic results
Ngā Mātarae Charitable Trust
Port of Tauranga also administers a scholarship scheme offered by the Ngā Mātarae Charitable Trust. The Trust brings together the Port, three iwi of Tauranga Moana, the Mauao Trust and the Tauranga Moana Iwi Customary Fisheries Trust. The Trust was founded in 2014 to acknowledge the impact on the cultural and spiritual values of local Maori from the Port’s harbour capital dredging project and is funded through an annual grant from the Port.
Application criteria
Scholarships can only be awarded to students studying subjects that could benefit Te Awanui Tauranga Harbour.
• Applicants must have an affiliation to Tauranga Moana iwi (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Pūkenga).
• Applicants cannot receive both scholarships
• Completed Whakapapa Form
• Proof on enrolment
• Proof of fees paid
• Proof of academic results
How to apply
The 2026 applications are now open and close on Friday 6 February 2026.
Application forms for new applicants:
Turirangi Te Kani Memorial - apply here.
Ngā Mātarae Charitable Trust - apply here.
Application form for ongoing scholarship (year two or three):
To apply for an ongoing scholarship in your second or third year of study, apply here.
All applicants need to provide the following documents to complete your application:
● Completed Whakapapa form – Endorsed by Kaumatua, Kuia or Marae authority: Whakapapa Form
● Proof of tertiary enrolment – Official evidence from your tertiary provider, including your name and course
● Proof of course fees paid – Official evidence, e.g. StudyLink, including your name
● Proof of academic results – Official evidence from your secondary/tertiary provider, including your name.
● Curriculum Vitae
● Marae/Hapu Reference (Ngā Mātarae only) – A signed letter or reference demonstrating your involvement and being known at local marae/hapū level.
If you have any questions about the 2025 application process please contact – sarah.grive@port-tauranga.co.nz
