Wellington ICT Graduate School's 2019 Pasifika and Māori Scholarship recipients
Victoria University of Wellington students have been awarded three of the four 2019 Maori and Pasifika Scholarships from Wellington ICT Graduate School. Congratulations to Petone Groom, Cameron MacDonald, Renee Waiwiri and Sarah Rivers who have been awarded scholarships that cover their full tuition as well as a stipend generously provided by ANZ.
01 August 2019
In 2018, Wellington ICT Graduate School established two full tuition scholarships for Māori and Pasifika students studying any of their postgraduate programmes offered through partners Victoria University of Wellington, Whitireia and WelTec in 2019. The selection panel were impressed with four outstanding applicants and decided to expand the scope of the scholarship from two to four.
Three of the recipients are studying towards Wellington ICT Graduate School's Master of User Experience Design through Victoria University of Wellington which started early July.
Petone Groom (Samoan) hopes to discover different and innovative ways to create and learn how the design process fits with industry demands. He said that not many people in his community have earned a degree in design, or considered creative career paths, and hopes that his academic journey will inspire others. Petone shared that he’s already learning a variety of UX methods and that the way content is being taught is refreshing for they’re encouraged to explore their own design motives, connectivity to who they are, and their role in society as designers.
Renee Waiwiri (Taranki, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Tainui) intends to combine her passion for design with a large focus on the user to direct her creative thinking process. Renee’s goal is to use the skills gained from this programme to improve existing products/services within in her community and help create new products/services with her Industrial Design Degree.
Cameron MacDonald (Rangitane Te Waipounamu, Ngāti Raukawa – Horowhenua) wants to combine the communication and soft skills he learned whilst working in customer service with the creative and technical skills he learned whilst studying design. This practical and hands on postgraduate programme is exactly what he needs to apply his current skills and learn more about UX.
Sarah Rivers (Cook Islands Māori) is studying Wellington ICT Graduate School's Master of Information Technology through Whitireia. She wants to role model to her children what it means to follow your dreams and utilise her skills to help others. Her biggest goal is to build a successful global research and development company that creates jobs for many and combats some of the world’s toughest challenges.
“It is a pleasure for ANZ to contribute to Māori and Pasifika education. Technology is such a critical component of any organisations success.” Craig Bunyan, GM Technology at ANZ, said “This year’s recipients have demonstrated an outstanding performance and have positioned themselves for a fantastic future. All the best.”
See more about the Wellington ICT Graduate School Maori and Pasifika Scholarship