Te Paewai o Te Rangi is a week-long scholarship programme providing Māori students with the opportunity to experience student life at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and explore the capital city. We will cover your cost of travel to Wellington and back home, your accommodation, and your kai while you’re here with us.

The programme takes place from Tuesday 18 August to Saturday 22 August 2026—with our annual Open Day event on the Friday.

Criteria to apply

You must:

• be of Māori descent
• be in your final year (Y13) at a New Zealand secondary school based outside the Wellington region (Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Wellington Central won’t be considered)
• be available to travel to Wellington and stay on the given dates for the entire programme
• be on track to achieving University Entrance.

Application process

1. Fill in the below form (please note that if you exit this form without submitting, your entry will not be saved. We advise you to note down the questions, write your application in a separate document, and then copy and paste it back into this form).
2. Email tayla.petera-gerrard@vuw.ac.nz a copy of your academic transcript (NZQA transcript of your most recent grades—can be a screenshot) AND a written character reference (from a teacher, employer, etc).
3. Applications close Friday 19 June at 5 pm. We will be in touch regarding the outcome of your application within the fortnight.