For many Pūhoro tauira, a scholarship is more than financial support. That was the message at our recent scholarship celebration alongside our partners BSI and PHF Science, where recipients came together to reflect on their journeys, celebrate their achievements and share their aspirations for the future

Tauira spoke about their passion and motivation for pursuing a career in STEMM and where they hope their studies will take them. Their stories represented a shared commitment to creating positive change for Māori in all STEMM fields.

For many, Pūhoro has helped reinforce the idea that they belong in STEMM.

Several tauira reflected on overcoming stereotypes that suggested Māori did not have a place in science. Others spoke about finding confidence through internships, research opportunities and being surrounded by other Māori succeeding in STEMM. Together, these experiences strengthened their confidence and their motivation to continue pursuing a career in STEMM.

"It's really important for Māori to be in these spaces. That's where I want to be." said BSI Toitū Te Whenua scholar, Hana Leith, a sentiment that was shared by all. Hana acknowledged the scholarship and Pūhoro for encouraging her to step outside her comfort zone and become more involved in Māori STEMM spaces.

Porsha Whyte shared how an internship with Pūhoro and Cawthron Institute transformed her confidence, helping her realise that science was a place where she belonged. Looking ahead, she hopes to return home to Ōpōtiki to give back to the community that shaped her while ensuring the pathway remains open for future generations of rangatahi Māori.

Karena Waru reflected on challenging stereotypes that nearly convinced her Māori didn't belong in STEMM. An internship experience became the catalyst for pursuing postgraduate study, reinforcing her passion for research.

For Maioha Taiepa, it was about ensuring research delivers meaningful benefits for Māori while creating spaces where Māori feel comfortable bringing their whakaaro and perspectives into scientific environments.

Recipients of the PHF Science scholarships, spoke passionately about improving health outcomes for Māori and protecting the taiao.

Inspired by the health inequities experienced by Māori communities, Lucy Baker shared her aspiration to become a doctor who advocates for culturally safe healthcare with a focus on health promotion and education.

Hine Fungavaka reflected on the importance of Māori bringing their whakapapa and tuakiri into STEMM and being able to show up in these spaces as their whole self.

Environmental science also featured strongly.

Zoe Floweday shared her ambition to use conservation research to protect Aotearoa's native species while inspiring more rangatahi Māori to see themselves as scientists and future leaders. Her long-term vision is to create opportunities that positively impact both Aotearoa and Māori communities.

Returning to Pūhoro was particularly meaningful for Ella Cameron-Smith, who was a part of our founding students in 2016. She reflected on the role the organisation has played throughout her STEMM journey and how this has shaped her path.

Together, these rangatahi represent a growing cohort of future Māori STEMM leaders who are pathing the way for generations to come.

‍