Opportunities for all through scholarships
Te Tai Hono is proud to today announce the launch of three new scholarships for our Te Ope Whakaora whānau.
The scholarships, which have a total value of $50,000, will provide support for whānau – Māori and non-Māori – studying te reo me ngā tikanga Māori and/or qualifications in the social services area.
Tumu Whakarae Richard Kerr-Bell (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kurī) says the scholarships support The Salvation Army’s National Māori strategic plan, Te Au Hūmarika, in providing unique development opportunities, reducing barriers to education and promoting equitable development throughout TSA.
“This is a significant step in building Māori leadership within Te Ope Whakaora and supporting the growing number of non-Māori embracing te Ao Māori,” he says.
Rūnanga co-chair Lieutenant-Colonel Ian Hutson (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa) encourages everyone to consider the scholarships as an opportunity to learn new skills and create benefits for not only themselves, but the wider Salvation Army.
“These scholarships will help build our Māori capacity within Te Ope Whakaora and also support our non-Māori whānau engaging with te Ao Māori. Access to education is a significant barrier for many whānau and these scholarships help remove those barriers and provide significant benefits for everyone.”
The scholarships are:
Pou Tuarongo Scholarship – Te Ao Māori Advancement.
This scholarship is open to ALL TSA learners whose study promotes, advances, or strengthens Te Ao Māori. The pou tuarongo stands at the back of the wharenui, holding firmly to the whakapapa and cultural foundations of our people. It supports those committed to revitalising te reo, tikanga, mātauranga Māori, and Māori identity through their chosen pathway.
Pou Tāhū Scholarship – Social Services Pathway.
This scholarship supports learners who whakapapa Māori and are pursuing studies in social services, community work, or related fields. The pou tāhū sits at the front of a wharenui, it represents the strength that upholds the structure while reaching forward to connect with people. This scholarship supports those who stand at the gateway of our communities providing care, support and hope to others.
Pou Tokomanawa Scholarship – Pathways of Excellence.
This scholarship supports learners who whakapapa Māori to walk boldly towards their chosen aspirations, whatever shape they may take. The pou tokomanawa is the heart post of a wharenui, embodying courage, resilience, and the life force that sustains our journey. It nurtures those who carry a vision for themselves and their people, encouraging them to realise their potential and leave a legacy for those who follow. More details about the scholarships, including how to apply, is available below:
https://maori.salvationarmy.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Pou-Tokomanawa-Scholarship-Final1.pdf
https://maori.salvationarmy.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Pou-Tahu-Scholarship-Final1.pdf
https://maori.salvationarmy.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Pou-Tuarongo-Scholarship-Final1.pdf
https://maori.salvationarmy.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Scholarship-Committee-TOR-final1.pdf