Investing in the Future of Tairawhiti: Rua Bioscience Awards 14 Undergraduate Scholarships
Rua Bioscience has awarded 14 undergraduate scholarships, each valued between $600 and $1,000, to support Tairawhiti learners in their tertiary study pursuits. The programme is supported by Trust Tairawhiti and is aimed at reducing barriers to study while strengthening the long-term capability of the region.
While Rua Bioscience operates within the health science sector, the scholarship programme supports students across a wide range of disciplines, including health, science, engineering, arts, commerce and other areas of study. This approach reflects Rua’s commitment to developing a more capable and qualified workforce and supporting diverse career pathways, with the hope that recipients will one day return with their skills to Te Tairawhiti.
Rua Bioscience Chief Executive Paul Naske says the programme is about long-term regional impact.
“This scholarship programme is about investing in the future of Tairawhiti. While our business is in health science, we know that strong communities are built on a wide range of skills. By supporting tauira across many fields, we are backing the next generation of leaders, professionals and creatives who we hope will bring their knowledge home and contribute to the wellbeing and prosperity of the region.”
2025 Rua Bioscience Undergraduate Scholarship Recipients:
Paimarire Heeney Haua – Electrician, Wintec
(TKKM o Te Waiu o Ngati Porou)Kingston Walker-McClutchie – Engineering, Wintec
(TKKM o Te Waiu o Ngati Porou)Kamaia Keelan-Richards – Nursing, EIT
(Ngata Memorial College)Aali Rasmussen-Banks – Nursing, EIT
(Ngata Memorial College)John-Sonny Blackman – Marine Biology, Victoria University
(Tolaga Bay Area School / Kuranui)Te Huia Kohatu – Business Studies, Victoria University
(Tolaga Bay Area School / Kuranui)Omaio Waititi – Commerce, University of Auckland
(TKKM o Horouta Wananga)Maikel Taihuka Terekia – Screen Arts and Toi Maori, Massey University – Wellington
(TKKM o Horouta Wananga)Lee Waere Maynard – Science (Biomedical Science), University of Auckland
(Gisborne Girls High School)Hannah Andrew – Vet Science, Massey University
(Gisborne Girls High School)Jett Whitaker – Science (Environmental Science), Victoria University
(Gisborne Boys High School)Hugo Emerre – Commerce (Finance and Economics), University of Otago
(Gisborne Boys High School)Payton Hick – Science, Victoria University
(Lytton High School)Danni Smith-Morgan – Commerce, Victoria University
(Lytton High School)