Parents awarded 2021 Gary Reid Memorial Scholarship

Co-parents Arona Vaetoru and Karmelita Ahhoi (front) have been awarded the Gary Reid Memorial Scholarship, with Volunteer Whanganui's Judy Karaitiana and Sandra Rickey, aswell as Jigsaws Tim Metcalfe. Photo / Bevan Conley

For the first time in its three-year existence, the Gary Reid Memorial Scholarship has been won by two people.

Parents Karmelita Ahhoi and Arona Vaetoru will split the $1000 scholarship.

Reid, who died in 2018, provided advice, support and advocacy to low-income workers and beneficiaries in Whanganui for more than 20 years.

He opened the Whanganui People's Centre with Judy Karaitiana in 1999, working without pay for the first 18 months.

"He did the most incredible work for the people of Whanganui. They just needed a helping hand as they had burned all their bridges," Volunteer Whanganui manager Sandra Rickey said.

The scholarship was set up to honour Reid and his work, and this is its third year.

Ahhoi and Vaetoru co-parent their three children.

They are studying for their Certificate in Bicultural Social Services with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Although it was nerve-racking jumping into tertiary study, the pair don't regret it.

"This course we have studied together has strengthened our parenting skills and just helps us understand each other," Ahhoi said.

Vaetora said: "It kind of saved us, it was a bit do or die."

After this year, they will continue their studies with the eventual goal to be in the community, helping those who need it.

Ahhoi said she would like to be an advocate for Pacific Islanders and help them interact and deal with Government agencies.

A long-term goal for the pair is to start a Pasifika Hub that will have a sporting academy and an arts space for children and teenagers who may have not had the opportunity to try activities because of financial barriers.

"Their story really touched our hearts," Rickey said.

"I was blown away they both decided to do this to help yourselves. Our hope is that you continue on with your study."

Sponsors for the scholarship include Gail Bennett and Gloria Campbell from MSD, Chester Borrows, Volunteer Whanganui, Community House Whanganui, Victim Support, Balance Whanganui, Jigsaw Whanganui, Pars, Whanganui People Centre and Claw.