Nearly 900 students have benefited from Whitireia Foundation Scholarships since the initiative began in 2002, with this year’s awards continuing the tradition of supporting learners across a wide range of fields – from healthcare and social work to construction and IT.
The 2025 Whitireia Foundation Scholarship Awards ceremony was held this month, celebrating the achievements of students from Whitireia and WelTec. The event drew a large gathering of ākonga (students), whānau, community leaders, and sponsors, including Porirua Mayor Anita Baker and Ngāti Toa Rangatira Dr Te Taku Parai.
More than half of the scholarships have supported study in healthcare and social services—critical sectors for local and national wellbeing. Third-year Bachelor of Nursing Māori student Delia (Dee) Pahina-Kopa, a scholarship recipient sponsored by Tū Ora Compass Health, expressed deep gratitude: “This scholarship has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. It’s allowed me to focus fully on my learning.”
Dr Leanne Ivil, Operations Lead and Director of Teaching and Learning at Whitireia and WelTec, emphasised that the support is more than financial. “These scholarships give ākonga a sense of belonging, of being seen and supported. For many, it’s a turning point,” she said.
Kelvin Irvine, Chair of the Whitireia Foundation, highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the awards. “Education isn’t a solo journey. These scholarships reflect a wider community of sponsors, mentors and whānau who come together to champion our ākonga.”
This year’s scholarships span programmes in nursing, social work, IT, business, construction, hospitality, creativity and trades. The Whitireia Foundation is a volunteer-led charity, made possible through the ongoing support of sponsors from a variety of sectors who are committed to investing in the future of local communities.
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Acknowledging Community Support
The Whitireia Foundation extended its heartfelt thanks to the sponsors whose generosity made the 2025 scholarships possible. These include:
Alpha NZ, Aspiring Wallpaper Ltd, Britton House Movers Ltd, Dr Sally Hasell, Focus Projects Ltd, Ford Sumner Lawyers, Foster + Melville Architects, Gee & Hickton Funeral Directors, Geraldine Lyndhurst, Graduate Women Wellington, J A Russell Ltd, James and Janet Goggin, Kirk-Burnnand Family, Maude Legal, Montage NZ, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Nikau Foundation, P & M Waite, Porirua City Council, Red Wolf Security, Tanya and Neil Macdonald, The Y Foundation (YMCA), Tu Ora Compass Health, and the Whitireia Foundation.