Discovery Scholarship recipients - 2025

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!

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.