Iwi members receive Te Mana o Te Awa scholarships from Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui Trust

Dr Rāwiri Tinirau was impressed with the calibre of applicants and number of applications for Te Mana o Te Awa scholarships this year. Photo / Supplied

Sixteen Whanganui iwi members were recently awarded Te Mana o Te Awa scholarships by Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui Trust.

All the recipients are completing tertiary studies and half are at Victoria University in Wellington.

Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui Trust deputy chairman Dr Rāwiri Tinirau was impressed with the calibre of applicants and the high number of applications this year.

"This year's recipients are studying a broad range of programmes, including health, science, law and Māori studies," Tinirau said.

"In addition to their respective academic merits, the recipients have all demonstrated a commitment to connecting with and contributing to their whānau and hapū, as well as to Te Awa Tupua."

Twenty-six scholarship applications were received, so Te Mana o Te Awa Scholarship Committee proposed to award an increased number of scholarships for 2018.

There are seven scholarship categories named for the roles performed by Whanganui iwi members during the Whanganui river claim presentations to the Waitangi Tribunal in 1994.

Three scholarships are for postgraduate study, including doctor of philosophy in music (ethnomusicology and ecomusicology), doctor of philosophy (Earth science) and master of business administration.

The 2018 Te Mana o Te Awa tertiary scholarship recipients are:

Te Rangatira scholarship: Jacob Robinson, Esther Tinirau and Kaelyn Marshall

Te Tohunga scholarship: Hayley Robinson, LeChe Kingi-McCavana and Meri Haami

Te Toa scholarship: Nga Remu Huia Tahuparae and Macy Duxfield

Te Kairaranga i te Kupu scholarship: Tawhiao McMaster and Poipoia Te Taonga Poa

Te Manawa Hiki scholarship: Kae'Sharn Hose and Manahi Te Hiakai Gardiner

Te Mōuri Pupuru scholarship: Te Marie Te Nana-Hoskins and Te Aotahi Rice Edwards

Ngā Tiripou scholarship: Brittany Taylor and Maraea Iwikau