Dame Te Ātairangikaahu Nursing Scholarship Recipient Announced
Posted On: Friday, 18 March 2011
Waikato Institute of Technology’s Dame Te Ātairangikaahu Nursing Scholarship was presented to 41 year old grandmother of three, Elaine Ngatai, at Wintec’s Marae graduation ceremony at Kirikiriroa Marae.
“I was overwhelmed when I got the news,” said Elaine. “It's such an honour and privilege to receive the Dame Te Ātairangikaahu Scholarship. It feels good to know that people believe in my abilities, what I've achieved so far and what I’m capable of. Financially this scholarship has lessened the burden towards my student fee. A big arohanui and Kia Ora to all who made this possible.”
Nursing has always been a big part of Elaine’s life. Her mother was a nurse and Elaine worked as a medical receptionist at a doctor’s surgery.
“Working in a doctor’s surgery in Taumarunui, I saw firsthand just how many people – and in particular Māori – were unwell. There is a huge need for Māori nurses and I’d also like to encourage both Māori and non-Māori to take up nursing in the future.”
Elaine says she had an opportunity to study nursing when she was younger but her life took another path. When this second chance presented itself, Elaine grasped it with both hands choosing to study Wintec’s Bachelor of Nursing.
Wintec’s director of Māori, Hera White, says: “Elaine has displayed strong leadership and strength in the nursing programme, her relationships with her fellow student members and with the staff of the School of Health. She demonstrates a strong kaupapa and tikanga Māori base and is a role model for all her fellow students.”
Elaine – whose hapū is Maniapoto and marae is Mangatangi, Ngapuwaiwaha – is fully supported and endorsed by the Māori king Kiingi Tuheitia.
The scholarship was awarded at the first of six Wintec graduation ceremonies taking place this week. More than 1600 students are graduating this week including two honorary recipients. Venetia Sherson – former editor of the Waikato Times – is receiving an honorary Master of Arts for her contribution to journalism and media and John Spencer – Chair of Tainui Group Holdings – is being made a Fellow of Wintec for his business acumen. Sir Henry van der Heyden will also be made a Fellow of Wintec for his services to agriculture later in the year.
Background
The Dame Te Ātairangikaahu Nursing Scholarship was established in 2006 by the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) at Turangawaewae on the occasion of the conferment of Wintec’s Honorary Fellowship to Dame Te Ātairangikaahu. The scholarship is worth $5000 each year and was first awarded in 2007.
The purpose of the scholarship is to assist Tainui students to undertake full-time study, towards an undergraduate Nursing or Midwifery degree, or a postgraduate nursing qualification in Wintec’s School of Health. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit, personal character and involvement in cultural and community life.
To be eligible candidates must be registered on the Tainui roll.