Discovery Scholarship recipients - 2025

Valerie Cokanasiga - Piki Ake Award (Step It Up Award)

Waipapa Taumata Rau - University of Auckland

Bula Vinaka na yacagu o Valerie Caginitoba Cokanasiga, gone ni Natauloa, Nairai, Lomaiviti vasu Somosomo, Taveuni, Cakaudrove.

My name is Valerie and I am proud to call Fiji my home. I moved to New Zealand with my family in 2011 after my father was relocated for work. My parents wanted us to have greater opportunities and to be exposed to all that the world had to offer. I have just finished my final semester at the University of Auckland as a Pacific Islander undergraduate, majoring in Biological Sciences with a specialization in Biochemistry and Cell Biology.

My university journey has been far from straightforward. Like many students, I started in biomedical science aiming for medical school, driven by my passion for health and equity. But life doesn’t always go to plan. After facing some setbacks, I reminded myself that challenges are not dead ends but redirections. I chose to specialize in biochemistry and cell biology because I was deeply interested in understanding the “how” behind diseases, how they start and progress at the molecular and cellular levels. I believe that knowing these mechanisms is essential to solving real health problems in our communities.

Recently, I completed a summer internship at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute under Dr Prashanna Khwaounjoo, working alongside Te Tītoki Mataora. My project focused on streamlining a non-invasive, mobile phone-based cardiac diagnostic tool. I observed the current device in use with post-surgery patients at Auckland City Hospital and presented my research at the 2025 ABI Research Forum. This experience inspired me to pursue medical science technology and strengthened my passion for connecting research with equitable, culturally meaningful healthcare solutions for underrepresented communities. 

My long-term goal is to contribute to medical/science based research and innovation that uplifts underrepresented communities. I am incredibly grateful to be a recipient of this scholarship, which supported me through my final semester and showed me that passion and perseverance matter as much as academic results. For any student with a similar journey, I encourage you to apply, you never know what’s possible unless you try!

Alexander Fitzpatrick - Te Taumata Award (High Achiever Award)

Waipapa Taumata Rau - University of Auckland

Fa'atalofa atu,
O lo'u ingoa o Alexander Fitzpatrick, ou te sau mai nu‘u o Afega ma Manunu, Samoa.

My Nana moved from Samoa to New Zealand on scholarship in 1956, enduring many hardships to build a life for her family here. My other Nana and her family were among the first Chinese immigrants in Samoa, also overcoming great adversity to allow her to settle in New Zealand. That same determination was passed down to my parents, whose sacrifices opened countless doors for me, inspiring my drive to excel in school - leading me to pursue engineering.

I am now in my third year of Engineering at the University of Auckland, specializing in Engineering Sciences.  After graduation, I plan to leverage the Data Science and Computational Mechanics skills I learn to work in the energy sector, focusing on sustainable innovation. My recent internship at Air New Zealand opened my eyes to how much I still have to learn, and this award will give me incredible opportunities to continue developing both personally and professionally.

I am so, so humbled and grateful to have been chosen for this scholarship. It represents more than just financial support; it's recognition of the journey my family has taken, and the sacrifices made along the way. It gives me hope that one day I will be able to give back to my family, my village, my culture, and everyone that shaped me into who I am today.

Maia Horn - Te Mātauranga Pūtaiao Award (Māori Science Award)

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington

Tēnā koutou katoa,
I te taha o tōku māmā
Ko Tarawera te maunga
Ko Tarawera te awa
Ko Te Arawa te waka
Ko Ngāti Rangitihi te iwi
I te taha o tōku pāpā
Ko Pukehāpopo te maunga
Ko Waiomoko te awa
Ko Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti te marae
Ko Paikea te tipuna
Ko Ngāti Konohi te hapu
Ko Ngāti Porou te iwi
Ko Maia Renata Horn ahau

Kia ora! My name is Maia and I have just started my final year Bachelor of Science double majoring in Marine Biology and Māori Resource Management. I hope to have a career in Marine Biology that also uses Mātauranga based methods of conservation to protect marine ecosystems.

Nō Whāngārā ahau. Spending my childhood summers in Whāngārā fostered my deep love and connection to the ocean and there has never been any doubt in my mind about the career I have dreamt of. Growing up with the tale of the Whale rider, Paikea also meant that I aspire to study tohorā as they are not only ecologically significant, but also culturally significant to Māori. Ramari Stewart the renowned tohunga tohorā remains today one of my biggest inspirations who I hope to mirror in my future.

The network and opportunities that this scholarship from the MacDiarmid Institute can provide me are invaluable and I am extremely grateful to receive this award and support.

Jesse Matheson - Te Mātauranga Pūtaiao Award (Māori Science Award)

Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka - University of Otago

Tēnā koutou katoa,
Ko Pukekura te mauka
Ko Ōtākou te awa
Ko Takitimu te waka
Ko Kāi Tahu, Kāti Mamoe, me Waitaha kā iwi
Ko Kāi Te Ruahikihiki me Kāti Taoka kā hapū
Ko Ōtākou te marae
Ko Tamatea te wharenui
Ko Hākuiao te wharekai
Ko Jesse Matheson tōhoku ikoa

Kia ora koutou, I’m Jesse, and I am in my 2nd year of completing a Master in Indigenous Studies (part-time) at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka the University of Otago.

I’ve always been interested in my own culture, as early as I can remember. However, as my Mum was adopted out to a Pākehā whānau, our connection to our taoka tuku iho was severed. I have spent my adult years reclaiming that lost Māoritaka – not just for myself, but for my Mum and whānau.

This leads into my dissertation topic – looking at the importance of iwi rūnaka having appropriate policies in place around human DNA. This builds the foundation for further study I would like to complete around creating DNA databases for hapū/iwi based on whakapapa; utilising the science of genetic ancestry testing for those who don’t know their whakapapa, to (ideally) ascertaining what iwi they whakapapa to.

Ka nunui te mihi ki Te Mana Tangata Whakawhanake mō tēnei Discovery Scholarship, and congratulations to all other Discovery Scholarship Recipients for 2025!

Soifua Tupou - Te Kainga Rua Award (Second Chance Learner Award)

Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka - University of Otago

Tulou atu, kae 'atā ke fakahoko atu ha ki'i fakafe'iloaki mo e fakamālō.
Ko hoku hingoa ko Soifua Tupou pea na'a ku tupu hake pē 'i Tonga, ka 'oku mau nofo 'i he malumalu 'o e mo'unga tapu ko Mauao 'i Tauranga Moana he ngaahi 'aho ni.
Ko ‘eku ongo mātu’a mei Ha’apai mo Niuafo’ou.

Mālō e lelei, I'm Soifua and I am a very grateful recipient of the MacDiarmid Institute Discovery Scholarship. I’m currently studying towards a Master of Sustainable Business at the University of Otago and work within the National Public Health Service at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.

I bring experience across health, community, and social sectors with a focus on Pacific and Indigenous wellbeing, climate resilience, and systems change. I serve on several governance boards and am deeply committed to advancing Pacific-led solutions grounded in equity and care.

I’m especially excited to grow my confidence and knowledge at the intersections of public health, climate resilience, and community wellbeing - and to explore the powerful possibilities that future and disruptive technologies hold for transforming systems and shaping sustainable futures for our people.

As a mother of six, my children inspire my commitment to intergenerational wellbeing and a more just, sustainable future for our communities.

Rata Williams - Te Taumata Award (High Achiever)

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha - University of Canterbury

Talofa Lavā, o lo’u igoa o Rata Williams.

I have just begun my tertiary studies at the University of Canterbury, studying engineering.

My love for mathematics combined with my love of God’s creation is why I want to become a civil engineer, focusing on protecting our land. I have further goals to represent Pasifika women in Engineering; a predominantly male and Pākehā field.

I’ve developed a strong Christian faith and I have personal aspirations to model myself on the life of Jesus Christ. Through my involvement in my church, I’ve discovered my love for serving. Pursuing engineering, I’m looking forward to being able to bring my christian faith into my career.

I am beyond grateful for the blessing of being a part of this scholarship program. Thank you for your belief in me. Fa’afetai tele lava.

Jade Wilson - Te Taumata Award (High Achiever)

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha - University of Canterbury

Talofa lava.
O lo’u ingoa o Jade.
E lua o'u aganu'u ma ou te mitamita lava i ai.
O lo'u tama o ia ole Sāmoa, o lo'u tina mai Niu Sila.
O lo'u aiga i Sāmoa o le aiga sa Ah Siu.
O lo’u nu’u o Matautu-Uta ma Vaigaga.
Ou te nofo nei i Christchurch ma ou a'oa'o i le Iunivesite o Canterbury.

My name is Jade Wilson. I am currently in my second year of study towards a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a minor in Media and Communications at the University of Canterbury.

My passion for science and biochemistry is grounded in the knowledge passed down from my Pacific ancestors through storytelling. As a queer and Pacific artist, storyteller, and emerging biochemist, I am passionate about how our queer and Pacific communities can benefit from increased access to scientific knowledge through science communication.

I am incredibly grateful to the MacDiarmid Institute for selecting me as a scholarship recipient. This scholarship supports me to continue my journey to advocate for science outreach, education, and informed policy making that empowers and strengthens our communities. Thank you for this opportunity.