A need for scholarships for Maori

Kaitaia GP Dr Lance O’Sullivan is calling on iwi and land trusts to work with the Moko Foundation to support Maori scholarship applicants who he said were achieving great results in health sciences.

On Waitangi Day Dr Lance O’Sullivan announced the Aka Hauora scholarship for those wanting to study health sciences at university level.

“We were overwhelmed with the number of applications that came through, and realised that not only was there a huge need out there, but there is a huge opportunity for us all to band together to meet the need,” he said.

“We now have a database of more than 100 people just waiting to kick-start their study to become our country’s future health professionals.”

A “generous” sponsor had enabled the Moko Foundation to provide two $5000 scholarships and five worth $1000 scholarships. Dr O’Sullivan issued a challenge to others to match his organisation’s contribution.

“If enough organisations come on board it could have a significant impact on many whanau,” he said.

“This could make high-level study seem like a real option for more and more whanau. Not only will students and whanau benefit, but it has the potential to transform whole communities with new models of care.”

Potential sponsors were invited contact the Moko Foundation CEO Deidre Otene on 021 877-278.

The first Aka Hauora scholarship recipients are: Te Kapowairua Stephens (Te Rarawa, studying medicine), Nick Waaka (Ngapuhi, medicine), Aotea Frandi (Ngapuhi, psychology), Casey Te Rangi (Ngati Tuwharetoa, medicine), Elyse Amai (Ngati Kahungunu, medicine), Nikau Reti-Beazley (Ngapuhi, health sciences), and Kenny Hau (Taranaki, medicine).