Contribution of Pasifika ākonga recognised

More than 30 Pasifika learners from Otago Polytechnic and Dunedin high schools have been presented with scholarships and awards to assist them in their educational journeys.

The Pasifika Scholarships Awards evening is a chance to celebrate achievement across both the tertiary and secondary level.

The event ties in strongly with Lalanga, the polytech’s Pasifika Strategic Framework, which was affirms the institutions commitment to our Pasifika ākonga to ensure they are supported, encouraged, and empowered to succeed.

Litea Ikahihifo, Director of Pasifika Achievement, says the annual awards evening and celebration dinner is a chance to recognise the mahi of the young learners.

“We enjoy being able to celebrate together with their families, Pasifika community leaders, high school leaders, kaimahi, and supporters who all play such an important role in their success."

A total of 32 learners received scholarships and awards this year, helping assist them in continuing or beginning their study journeys at Otago Polytechnic.

The Otago Community Trust is proud to continue its strong support in sponsoring these scholarships for Pasifika learners studying at Otago Polytechnic, who show ability and character to succeed in their field of study.

Inati Community Scholarships ($2,000 each) – in association with Otago Community Trust
Cherish-Peace Nielsen, Fa'ai'u Fetoa'I, Fakailokimoana Tuitavuki, John Junior Eteuati, Jolani Fidow, Joseph Chang, Myron Felise, Roynuka Pietro Nukanuka, Sean Katalake, Vincent Ah Soon

(Inati Community Scholarship recipients with Jemma Adams - Chief Executive, Otago Community Trust (R))

Mercy Hospital proudly supports the next generation of health professionals through scholarships for the Bachelor of Nursing and the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (first year we have offered the OT scholarships).

“These scholarships reflect the need to build a strong and diverse health workforce and to create more opportunities for our learners to pursue careers in healthcare,” says Litea.

Mercy Hospital Scholarships – Bachelor of Nursing
Pearl Harris-Blain, Savelina Molitika, Ruta Nickel, Leimanu Hotesi

Mercy Hospital Scholarships – Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Mily Day, Makayla Ruaiti (absent)

(Alofa Lale - Mercy Outreach Coordinator (C) with scholarship recipients Pearl Harris-Blain, Savelina Molitika, Ruta Nickel, Leimanu Hotesi, and Mily Day) 

The Otago Polytechnic Vaka Moana Secondary School Awards and Scholarships are our way of recognising the achievements of Pasifika students across our high schools in Dunedin, with the multi-year senior scholarships covering the full cost of a student's study at OP).

Otago Polytechnic Vaka Moana Secondary School Awards/Scholarships

John McGlashan College
Junior award: Shaan Lal | Senior Scholarship: Shai Lal

King’s High School
Junior award: Fetoai Paulo Pua  | Senior Scholarship: Alex Fosita

Kaikorai Valley College
Senior Scholarship: Dezmond Rongo

Otago Boys’ High School 
Junior award: Samiuela Masima | Senior Scholarship: Filipe Vaka’uta

Otago Girls High School
Junior award: Genevieve Jacobsen | Senior Scholarship: Harper Dean

Queens High School
Junior award: Luisa Makanesi | Senior Scholarship: Equator Taumaloto Tuiai

Trinity Catholic College
Junior award: Jessica Lale Sululoto 

Bayfield High School
Junior award: Helena Vavahe’a Bennett-Tuionetoa | Senior Scholarship: Toatagata Teevale Ratima

St Hilda’s Collegiate
Senior Scholarship: Elspeth Kate Matthews

Columba College
Junior award: Matau-a-ina Lima (absent)