Exceptional students named in 2026 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards

Fourteen outstanding students from across the country have been named recipients of the 2026 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards," Education Minister and Ngarimu Board Chair Erica Stanford says.

"The Awards honour the legacy of the 28th (Māori) Battalion and support the next generation of Māori leaders. It is a privilege to recognise these New Zealanders for their leadership, resilience and academic excellence," Ms Stanford says.

"This year's recipients reflect the dedication, talent and aspirations these awards seek to celebrate. They demonstrate the values that carry forward the extraordinary legacy of the 28th (Māori) Battalion."

The 2026 scholarship and award recipients include include two doctoral candidates, two master's students, three undergraduate students, and three vocational education and training students. The winners of the 2025 Ngarimu Video Competition and the Ngarimu Waiata Competition have also been recognised.

This week, members of Ngā Rongo Toa ā Ngarimu, the alumni network for former scholarship recipients, came together to advance plans that will see more mentoring and support to the next generation of Ngarimu scholars. This will strengthen connections across past and present recipients.

"Building the alumni network will help enable scholarship recipients, both past and present, to continue inspire and support one another," Ms Stanford says.

"I want to acknowledge the inaugural members of the Alumni, for their leadership and dedication in bringing this project to life, and I wish the recipients this year the absolute best in their next endeavours."

The Ngarimu scholarships were established in 1945 to honour the courage and sacrifices of the Māori Battalion including Victoria Cross recipient Second Lieutenant Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu. More than 300 students have been recognised since the fund began, contributing as leaders across Aotearoa, New Zealand and internationally.

Media contact: Michael van der Kwast +64 21 875 347

Notes for editor:

The 2025/2026 recipients of the Ngarimu VC and 28 (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards are:

• Uenukuterangihoka Tairua Jefferies (Te Whakatōhea, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Awa, Te Whānau a Apanui, Ngāti Maniapoto)
• Arna Whaanga (Ngāti Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Rakaipaaka, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa)
• Xavia Tuera Connolly (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngā Rauru Kītahi, Ngāruahine, Mōkai Pātea, Ngāti Whakaue, Whakatōhea, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Whātua)
• Tiffany Radich (Ngāti Awa)
• Temaea Taeaki (Ngaiterangi, Kiribati)
• Isla Mariana Fellows (Ngāti Mutunga ki Taranaki, Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri)
• Hinerangi Nicholas (Tūhoe, Ngaiterangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Kuki Airani)
• Tūī Mārama Keenan (Ngāti Porou)
• Tiffany Daphne Shirtliff (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou)
• Janine Aroha Tito (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Manu, Ngāti Mahuta)
• Skyla Storm Ngawaki Te Moana (Te Whānau a Apanui)
• Florence Kararaina Ngā Mata O Manaiawharepu Grace (Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Tarāwhai, Te Whānau a Apanui)
• Hineata Durie-Ngata (Ngāti Porou, Rangitāne, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Whakatere, Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Awa)
• Mahaki Chambers (Ngāti Porou)

The inaugural members of Ngā Rongo Toa a Ngarimu | Ngarimu Alumni Group are:

• Associate Professor Elana Curtis
• Dr Truely Harding
• Dr Julian Wilcox
• Dr Marise Kerehi Stuart
• Mr Kingi Kiriona
• Mr Te Aorere Pewhairangi
• Mr Brigham Riwai-Couch
• Mr Tamati Waaka