Scholarship for young Northlanders celebrates 25 years
This year represents a significant milestone for a scholarship that helps young Northlanders embark on tertiary study. The McDonald's Te Tai Tokerau scholarship, launched 25 years ago in 1992, is a partnership between McDonald's NZ, AUT and the communities of the North that continues today.
Representatives from McDonald's NZ joined AUT staff, current scholarship recipients, scholarship alumni and secondary school staff to celebrate at a special gala event this month.
Developed by former Chief Executive Officer of McDonald's NZ, Alan Dunn, and former Director of AIT Student Services, Phil Ker, the scholarship was borne out of the desire to encourage and support Māori secondary school students from the Te Tai Tokerau region to study Business at the Auckland Institute of Technology (AIT). The programme continued when AIT became AUT in 2000.
Focused on inspiring and guiding recipients to achieve personal development aspirations, each recipient receives $10,000 over three years to contribute towards halls of residence and living costs. This is reinforced by networking opportunities, corporate role models and university support services. At its heart, the McDonald's Te Tai Tokerau Scholarship Programme is about promoting Māori potential and supporting educational success.
During its 25 year history, the scholarship has had several name changes. The current name reflects the partnership between McDonald's NZ and the iwi, hāpu, whānau and secondary schools of the Te Tai Tokerau region.
"We're proud to see the scholarship go from strength to strength, with the quality and calibre of recipients remaining extremely high every year," says Simon Kenny, Head of Communications at McDonald's.
"The continued success of the scholarship and its recipients is a reflection of the strong partnership between McDonald's NZ, AUT and the secondary schools of the Te Tai Tokerau region."
Hariata Mareroa, Manager of AUT's Māori Liaison Services has been involved with the programme for 23 of the 25 years. She said the gala event is an important opportunity to thank everyone involved – past and present – who have supported the programme.
"The original intent of the scholarship programme was never just about academic success, although important, the investment was in the enriched personal and career growth of its recipients.
It has been an absolute privilege and honour to witness the growth and development of young leaders from the North, their strength of character epitomised by their resilience and perseverance," says Mareroa.
For further information on the scholarship, students from the Te Tai Tokerau region in their final year of high school should speak with their school careers advisor or principal.