Scholarships boon for Maori students

Billy Bodger, 23, who in his last few months of completing a Master of Science degree, was awarded a $5000 scholarship to help with research. Photo / Supplied

They're both from small Northland schools, they're both Maori and they're both students at the University of Waikato and have been awarded scholarships for engineering and science.

Last year more than $174,000 in scholarships was awarded to 17 Maori science and engineering students at the university - two of the 17 were Jordan Shortland-Witehira from Tauraroa Area School, and Billy Bodger from Taipa Area School.

Mr Shortland-Witehira, of Ngapuhi and Ngati Hine descent, was awarded three scholarships totalling $10,750 for his first year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree. He said he was surprised when he found out he had been successful.

"I was in class when I found out and said, 'I've just won a scholarship', and all my friends were really jealous."

In his final year of high school the 18-year-old was unsure what he wanted to do but a trip to the University of Waikato had helped him make up his mind.

"They were building this go-kart and I thought, 'Wow that's cool', and I found out what they were studying and it was mechanical engineering - that sold me," he said.

Mr Shortland-Witehira was awarded a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Fees scholarship worth $4000, a Bryant Hall Residential Scholarship worth $3750 and a School Leavers Merit Scholarship worth $3000.

The scholarships were a huge help for Mr Shortland-Witehira in his first year of study.

"It's paid for my whole first year of uni and has helped me buy my first car, which has been really helpful. I live in Whangarei so instead of taking a six-hour bus ride home I can drive now," he said.

Twenty-three year-old Billy Bodger, who is in his last six months of a Master of Science degree, was awarded a $5000 science and engineering Masters Research Scholarship.

"It's to encourage people to continue with their masters. I was trying to decide whether I wanted to continue with a career or stay and do my masters, so that helped me to make up my mind," he said.

Mr Bodger, who is of Te Atiawa descent, is currently researching geology and mining.

Both young men encourage all students to apply for a scholarship.

"I mean, the worse they can say is no, and if they don't say no - you have a scholarship," said Mr Shortland-Witehira.