Discovery Scholarship recipients - 2024

Christina 'Elone - Piki Ake Award (Step It Up)

The University of Otago - Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo

Mālō e lelei,

Ko hoku hingoa ko Christina Faith 'Elone. 'Oku ou lele mai mei Tefisi, Vava'u pea mo Kanokupolu, Tongatapu pea 'oku ou lolotonga fokoutua 'i Taneitini mo ako 'i he Univeesiti 'o Otago.

My name is Christina 'Elone and I hail from the villages of Tefisi and Kanokupolu in the Friendly Islands, aka Tonga. I am currently in my second year of study at the University of Otago studying a double major in Forensic Analytical Science and Pacific Island Studies, as well as a Minor in Criminology. My ultimate career goal is to become a Forensic Scientist, rooted from my inspiration of watching CSI (yes, I know they are different in real life). Not only that, I also hope to be an inspiration specifically to Pasifika who are thinking of pursuing such a field of study/career, and I hope that I can go back to my homeland and work there for a year or two, and ultimately, giving back to my Pasifika communities.

I am incredibly honored and grateful to have been selected as a recipient for this scholarship this year. This will definitely motivate me to keep moving forward to reach for my goals and aspirations as well as continuing to do my best in all that I do.

Mālō 'aupito,
Tu'a 'ofa atu.

Ari Geor - Te Taumata Award (High Achiever)

Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington 

Tēnā koutou katoa,
Ko Pirongia tōku māunga,
Ko Waikato te awa,
Ko Tainui tōkuwaka,
Ko Te Tokanganui-a-Noho tōkumarae,
He uri ahau nō Ngāti Maniapoto,
Ko Ari tōku ingoa.

Physics and its language, Mathematics, have been integral to my life. I look to the stars for guidance, just as my Tipuna once did. I want to unravel its mystery; to gain understanding of the universe and our place in it. That's why I am pursuing a BSc majoring in Mathematics and Physics at Te Herenga Waka with the goal to become a physics researcher.

I am currently in my third year of undergraduate and have a long way to go until I get to my goal, so, the support that MacDiarmid is providing through this scholarship is extremely helpful! The networks and opportunities that this program provides are invaluable and will go a long way into helping learn about our world and enabling me to give back to it.

Luke McConnell - Te Taumata Award (High Achiever)

The University of Canterbury -  Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha

Ko n’a mauri, 

My name is Luke McConnell - I am currently a second-year Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Canterbury. Although I am mostly of European descent, my Kiribati heritage allows me to share a strong connection to my Pasifika community. I was fortunate enough to attend Tauranga Boys College which facilitates awesome Pasifika programs and allowed me to both tutor and connect further with my younger Pasifika brothers.

From a very young age, I have always been fascinated by the ways things work and how they fit together. This combined with my love for physics and calculus inspired me to further pursue Mechanical Engineering at a tertiary level. 

My strong Christian upbringing helped embed key values in me such as the importance of serving others in our community. Jesus teaches us, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” (John 13:34). For me, I can now show this love to my community through Mechanical Engineering which allows me to develop new technology’s and systems that ultimately improves people’s lives. 

I am very blessed and grateful to be a part of this scholarship program. Thank you for your support which allows me to focus on my studies and also gives me time to help tutor my Pasifika brothers studying engineering.

Jade Ruka - Te Mātauranga Pūtaiao Award (Māori Science)

Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Ko Pūhanga Tohorā te maunga
Ko Tāheke te awa
Ko Ngā Toki Matawhaorua te waka
Ko Ngāpuhi te iwi
Ko Ngāti Pākau te hapū 
Ko Māhuri te marae
Ko Jade Hine Pounamu Tāwhiri Ruka tōku ingoa

I am currently completing a Bachelor of Science in marine biology and ecology and biodiversity, and a Bachelor of Arts in Māori resource management at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington.

The ocean is integral to our culture. Growing up near the black sand beaches and roaring waves of west Auckland, I developed a deep connection to the sea - it's where I feel most at home and happiest. This connection fuels my desire to contribute to marine research, protection and preservation of our oceans and advocate for the use of mātauranga Māori in marine biology to address marine conservation challenges effectively.

Through my studies, I aim to merge my passion for the ocean with a practical approach to conservation. By utilizing both mātauranga Māori and modern science, I hope to make a meaningful contribution to safeguarding our moana and its creatures for future generations.

I am beyond grateful for this opportunity not only for the financial help it has given me, but also for opening up opportunities to work with MacDiarmid Institute in the future.

“Tere tohorā, tere tangata.”

Kayla Winiata - Te Mātauranga Pūtaiao Award (Māori Science)

Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Ko Mauao rāua ko Puwhenua ngā maunga
Ko Tauranga tōku moana
Ko Kopurererua tōku awa
Ko Takitimu tōku waka
Ko Ngāti Ranginui tōku iwi
Ko Ngāi Tamarawaho tōku hapū
Ko Huria tōku marae
Ko Kayla Winiata ahau

My name is Kayla Winiata, and I am currently in my second year of studying architecture at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington.

From a young age, my passion for culture and architecture has been nurtured within my whānau. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to combine these passions in my tertiary studies.

My academic aspirations are centered around restoring cultural identity to the built environment. I am committed to integrating Māori cultural perspectives and tikanga into architecture, while also addressing the needs of our people and land. Courses such as those offered by Te Herenga Waka and MacDiarmid have provided incredible connections and opportunities to expand my knowledge in these principles.

Receiving this scholarship fills me with immense gratitude, as it not only provides financial support but also opens doors to incredible opportunities through MacDiarmid. This taonga will accompany me throughout my educational journey, empowering me to bring Mātauranga Māori to the forefront of the architecture space.