Ngāti Whātua launches tech scholarship for Māori youth

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua has launched a leadership initiative and technology scholarship for young Māori. The programme is aimed at rangatahi aged 18 to 25.

The scholarship, called Whātua Whitawhita, was developed with Revved and focuses on technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. It is part of a wider iwi effort to create pathways into sectors it sees as important to New Zealand's future.

Under the inaugural scheme, up to two recipients will receive financial support for study, training, equipment or venture development. They will also get mentoring from industry and iwi leaders, along with introductions to entrepreneurs and investors.

Up to six additional finalists will join the first Whātua Whitawhita cohort, helping build an early community around the initiative.

Ngāti Whātua chose to begin with technology because of the sector's influence across the economy and communities. It described the scholarship as the first step in a longer-term leadership programme.

Renata Blair, Chief Executive Officer of Ngāti Whātua, said the initiative was designed to invest in future leaders.

"This scholarship is about much more than helping two young people. It reflects our belief that if New Zealand wants to build a stronger future, we need to invest deliberately in the people who will create it. Technology is the first area we've chosen to focus on because it will shape almost every aspect of our economy and our communities over the coming decades. We want Māori rangatahi to see themselves not simply as users of technology, but as the people designing it, building it and leading it. We spend a lot of time talking about the future of technology, productivity and economic growth. We spend less time asking who will help build that future. For Ngāti Whātua, investing in our rangatahi is one of the most important investments we can make. This is about creating pathways into industries that will define New Zealand's future," Blair said.

The programme is open to Māori Ngāti Whātua rangatahi with an interest or emerging pathway in the targeted fields. The support package combines direct funding with access to networks and guidance, extending beyond a conventional education grant.

Foundation year

Blair said the current intake would serve as a starting point for a larger effort over time.

"This year is our foundation year. We want to learn, build and extend it into something that becomes much bigger over time. Our ambition is to create an enduring programme that supports young leaders and builds stronger communities for generations to come," she said.

Revved, which partnered with the iwi on the scholarship, said the proposal aligned with its focus on bringing together people involved in business and innovation. The organisation is contributing networks and connections to the initiative.

Rochelle Moffitt, Founder of Revved, said that was why the group joined the programme.

"When Renata shared this vision with us, we immediately wanted to be part of it. Revved exists to bring together people who want to move New Zealand forward. Supporting Whātua Whitawhita allows us to turn those conversations into action. We're incredibly proud to stand alongside Ngāti Whātua in what we believe will become an important and enduring initiative. Our role is to provide the platform, the networks and the connections that help these young leaders accelerate their journey," Moffitt said.

The scholarship combines practical support with leadership development. Funding can be used for formal study, skills development, tools and early-stage venture work, while mentoring and introductions are intended to help recipients build professional relationships.

Wider push

Both organisations want the scholarship to expand through support from businesses, investors and other groups. They also expect a growing alumni network to support future recipients as the programme develops over time.

The initiative reflects a broader discussion in New Zealand's technology and business sectors about who gets access to networks, capital and leadership pathways early on. By targeting Māori rangatahi at the start of their journey, Ngāti Whātua is positioning the programme as an intervention before talent is lost from the pipeline.

For the iwi, the scholarship also links economic participation with community development. The emphasis on entrepreneurship alongside study and training suggests an interest in helping recipients create businesses or projects of their own, rather than only moving into established employers.

The first intake will be limited to two scholarship recipients and up to six additional finalists in the cohort.