Pūhoro has partnered with Engineering New Zealand through the Matatā Initiative to open round 2 of the Matatā Engineering Scholarships.

This round we are offering a significant 15 x $5,000 scholarships to rangatahi Māori who will be studying in their first year of a Bachelor of Engineering in 2026.

The Matata Initiative, set up through the generosity of Dick Earle and his late wife Mary, aspires to support more Māori and Pasifika young people into professional careers in engineering and technology.

In 2023, the Engineering New Zealand Foundation launched the Matata Initiative, funded by the Professors Earle. The express purpose of the initiative is to lift the numbers of Māori and Pasifika young people who undertake four-year degrees in engineering or technology and go on to launch professional careers in those industries.

The Details:

Number of scholarships available: 15

Value of each scholarship: $5,000

Tenure: 2026 Academic Year

Application Criteria:

Study institutes: Applications are open to tauira studying at any tertiary institute in Aotearoa.

Study level: Tauira must be studying in their first year in 2026 with proof of enrolment.

Study area: Bachelor of Engineering

Conditions:

• Preference will be given to those who have come through the Pūhoro programme at High School, however we encourage applications from those who fit the remaining criteria.
• Registered with Pūhoro's Te Urunga Pae programme, or willing to register with Pūhoro upon acceptance of scholarship.
• Whakapapa Māori.

Pūhoro participation conditions:

• Attend Pūhoro Wānanga (3 per year) and Wānanga Pūrau (1 per year) events as a volunteer.
• Submit academic grades at the end of each semester.
• Partake in interviews, media stories, and communications regarding you and your study. ‍

Applications open: Wednesday 15 October, 2025

Applications close: Sunday 16 November, 2025

APPLY HERE

Selection Process:

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an online interview.

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