A new scholarship aimed at supporting rangatahi on their educational journey into the field of technology has been announced.
The Daniel Karehana Te Hapori Matihiko Memorial Scholarship for Technology has been created with sponsors from tech-based organisation leaders Sara Smeath, Kale Panoho, Taikawa Tamati-Elliffe, Robyn Kamira and Mel Gollan, who are all of Māori descent and have experienced first-hand the challenges in accessing education.
Daniel was the founder of Blinkpay, a financial technology company. He passed away last year from colon cancer. He was 48.
“Father of three, granddad, husband and a friend to me. An amazing man who I very much miss on this lonely tough founder journey,” said Mel Gollan, chief executive and founder of RIPA Global.
“Technology is not just a tool; it is the mahi of change, driven by courage, togetherness, collaboration, vision, and action.
“These qualities are deeply ingrained in the fabric of Māori culture, making technology a natural and comfortable avenue for exploration and innovation.
“They recognise the transformative power of the technology industry in empowering individuals and communities.
“The Daniel Karehana Scholarship for Technology is a testament to their commitment to providing opportunities for rangatahi to thrive in the tech space,” she said.
The initial seed money for this scholarship comes from the awards received by the sponsors in the 2023 Te Hapori Matihiko Awards.
Eligible applicants must whakapapa Māori and be aged between 15 and 22.
The scholarship, valued at $5000, will support recipients in advancing their studies or work in technology.
“Academic achievements are not a prerequisite for this scholarship, as our goal is to break down barriers to knowledge access,” Ms Gollan said.
“We encourage all eligible rangatahi to seize this opportunity and embark on a journey of empowerment and innovation in the world of technology.
“Please apply for Daniel’s scholarship. The money can be applied to any costs associated with the recipients’ digital journey.
“The hope is that this putea and the mana connected to it will be used by a rangatahi to make their mark on the world of technology, just like Daniel did.”
Candidates can apply two ways, either digitally or with a handwritten application.
Those applying digitally can go here: https://forms.gle/HqJbLBJB44KrcCZCA .
For those without digital access, handwritten applications will be accepted and can be mailed to: RIPA Global Daniel Karehana Scholarship, 40 Taranaki St, Level 2, Te Aro, Wellington 6011.
Applications close on April 30. Finalists will be announced by May 31, and the winner will be named at the Te Hapori Matihiko Awards ceremony on June 22.
The judging criteria will focus on candidates’ passion for technology, their envisioned educational path, and how their future endeavours will benefit the Māori community.
