Nicki has a Bachelor of Arts with Honours from Victoria and is currently studying for a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary), which she will complete in December.
Being awarded a Kupe scholarship is the icing on the cake for Nicki.
“I’ve loved my time at Victoria—I’ve learnt so much and had so many amazing opportunities.
“I’m so excited to have my own classroom and to get into teaching next year.”
The scholarship covers course fees and study allowances and provides professional mentoring and job search assistance after graduation.
Nicki says she still can’t quite believe she has won the scholarship.
“It was open for anyone in the country to apply—I thought the chances of me getting it were very slim.”
As part of the application process, Nicki submitted three essays. Two focussed on personal vision and leadership and the other focussed on how she incorporates the use of te reo into her teaching.
Once she reached the second round, she was required to submit a video where she answered five questions, which included why she wanted to be a teacher, what she would change about the New Zealand education system and what winning the scholarship would mean to her.
Education Minister Hekia Parata was delighted to have the opportunity to present the scholarships.
"These scholars all have strong track records of academic success and will help raise the status of the teaching profession among young Māori and Pasifika and provide strong role models of success in education."
For more information on the scholarships, see the Teach NZ website.