As part of Pūhoro’s growing partnership with AgResearch, this year marks the launch of the first-ever Toitū Te Whenua Scholarship. This exciting scholarship celebrates the importance of building a strong pipeline of Māori talent in science, technology, engineering, maths and mātauranga Māori (STEMM),creating opportunities for rangatahi to connect with the industry through AgResearch’s employment pathways.

Toitū Te Whenua reflects the shared commitment between Pūhoro and AgResearch to uphold rangatahi Māori in their Māoritanga and Mātauranga as they step into STEMM careers.

A big congratulations to Te Urunga Pae tauira Ruby Hodgetts, Catrin Ogilvie, Ana Tupangaia and Gabby Werera-Hillas, the first cohort of recipients of the 2024 Toitū Te Whenua Scholarship.

Pūhoro, AgResearch, and these talented tauira recently came together to celebrate their achievements and build connections between the AgResearch team and the scholarship recipients.

We had the pleasure of chatting with Ruby, Catrin, Ana, and Gabby to hear about their career goals, how this scholarship will support them, and why it’s so important for more Māori to pursue careers in STEMM.

What are your career aspirations?

RUBY:
"I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Māori and Indigenous Studies with a minor in Environmental Science at the University of Canterbury. My goal is to use my legal knowledge to advocate for Māori and environmental rights, and to bring our cultural narratives into New Zealand’s legal system. I want to make sure our stories are heard, respected, and woven into the fabric of the law."

CATRIN:
"I’m in my final year of a Bachelor of Applied Science, majoring in Molecular Biotechnology and minoring in Māori Studies. I’m passionate about continuing into postgraduate studies and eventually working in the biotechnology industry. My interests include gene editing, One Health, animal health, mātauranga Māori, and community engagement."

ANA:
"I’m studying a Bachelor of Agribusiness, majoring in Rural Land Valuation and minoring in Māori Agribusiness. When I finish my studies, I hope to use my knowledge of both Te Ao Pākehā and Te Ao Māori to create sustainable outcomes for organisations in the primary sector. I’m also keen to apply what I’ve learned to better utilise my family land in Rarotonga and Taranaki."

GABBY:
"I’m in my first year of a Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, majoring in farm management. I’ve developed a real interest in farmers’ mental health and hope to steer my career in a direction where I can support this—perhaps as a farm consultant or manager."

How will this scholarship help you?

RUBY:
"This scholarship is such a big help. It eases a lot of the financial pressure, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on having to work. It also means I can invest in resources that are essential for my academic growth. And, the best part is the connections—it’s given me access to mentors and a community of scholars, which will be invaluable for building my network and learning from others in my field."

"A real highlight from the celebration event was seeing how many people were there to support us. It was so uplifting to be surrounded by a community that truly values our efforts and wants to see us succeed. It gave me a real boost to keep going!"

CATRIN:
"The financial support means I can focus more on my studies and worry less about juggling work commitments. It’s going to help me make the most of my final year so I can maintain my grades and get into Honours."

"For me, meeting and networking with scientists working in areas related to my studies was a real highlight. I learned so much from their experiences and really appreciated the advice they shared. Plus, the kai was a bonus!"

ANA:
"Being a student is tough financially, and this scholarship will definitely help reduce that burden so I can put more focus on my studies. Beyond that, the chance to network with the primary sector and with like-minded, inspirational Māori leaders in STEMM is a huge opportunity. I really enjoyed meeting everyone involved and being able to personally thank them for their support."

GABBY:
"This scholarship takes a load off my whānau, who have worked so hard to support both myself and my twin brother through university. It’s going to allow us to enjoy our studies more without the financial worry."

"I’m extremely grateful to Pūhoro and AgResearch for this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to building a relationship with the AgResearch team."

Why is it important for more Māori to pursue careers in STEMM?

RUBY:
"It’s vital for more Māori to enter STEMM because we need our perspectives and values represented in these fields. More Māori in STEMM means our unique insights can help shape solutions to the challenges we face, particularly when it comes to environmental and healthcare issues. Plus, it opens up more economic opportunities for our communities and helps to address longstanding inequalities."

CATRIN:
"Māori are underrepresented in the sciences, but overrepresented in negative statistics. A 'by Māori, for Māori' approach is essential for achieving success and equality in our communities. Mātauranga Māori holds many of the answers to the challenges Aotearoa faces today, and Pūhoro is doing critical work to create a pipeline for future Māori scientists."

ANA:
"Representation matters in every sector. The more Māori we see in these industries, the more Māori will be inspired to pursue similar careers. It’s also important that we are the authors of our own mātauranga, showing how it can be woven alongside Pākehā ways of learning, living, and working."

GABBY:
"I believe it’s important for more Māori to get into STEMM careers to help close the employment gap in these industries and to challenge stereotypes. I’m passionate about showing others that we are more than capable of excelling in STEMM careers."

If you're a rangatahi Māori currently studying a STEMM related subject at a tertiary institute, register with our Te Urunga Pae programme to get access to scholarships like these and a range of other study support systems like internships, networking, mentoring and more.

REGISTER HERE