Tauranga’s tertiary campus was filled with pride, encouragement and optimism last week as students beginning and continuing their tertiary journeys were recognised through local scholarship support.
Recipients of the TECT Returning Student Scholarships, TECT First-in-Family Scholarships, and Acorn Foundation Scholarships were presented with their awards on Tuesday 24 March at the University of Waikato Tauranga Campus, alongside their whānau, friends and supporters.
Together, the scholarships reflect a shared commitment by local funders to support students throughout their study journeys and invest in the future workforce of the Western Bay.
The TECT scholarships were first established in 2018 after TECT’s investment into the development of the tertiary campus to help ease financial pressure so students can focus on their studies. The Acorn Foundation scholarships were created through the generosity of local individuals and families who recognised the value of supporting people striving for higher education.
This year, ten TECT Returning Student Scholarships were awarded to students in their second or third year of study, alongside 14 TECT First-in-Family Scholarships for students whose families have not previously studied at a tertiary level. Four Acorn Foundation scholarships were also presented, supporting students across a range of study pathways.
Two recipients, Nikkita Orchard and Darren Wagstaff, were recognised through both TECT and Acorn Foundation scholarships, highlighting how ongoing, local support can make a meaningful difference as students progress through their studies.
TECT Community Trust Chair, Mark Arundel says the growing number of students choosing to study in Tauranga is a positive sign for the region.
“The Tauranga Tertiary Campus was intended to enhance tertiary education in our community. Seeing the campus as an increasingly popular choice for young and mature students shows the importance of having local education opportunities that align with local business industry needs,” he says.
“These students have gone out of their way to progress towards their careers and education. We’re proud to support them and play a small part in making positive change for future generations.”
For TECT Returning Student Scholarship recipient Benjamin Salmon, who is studying a double major in computer science and marketing, the support has made a real difference.
“I was lucky enough to receive this scholarship last year too. I love living in Tauranga and being able to balance my studies with getting out surfing and mountain biking,” he says.
Nikkita Orchard, a third‑year Law student, received the Acorn Foundation Beverly Perszyk Scholarship alongside support through TECT. Her journey is driven by a desire to show her son and siblings that background or circumstances do not define what is possible.
Darren Wagstaff, recipient of the Acorn Foundation Kenneth Perszyk Senior Scholarship and a TECT Returning Student Scholarship, is completing a Bachelor of Sport. Having seen the positive impact of sport, movement and strong role models first‑hand, Darren hopes to give back through teaching and supporting the next generation.
Other Returning Student recipients include Wesley Newland, studying a conjoint Law and Finance degree, and Myah Ioane, in her second year of a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary Education), reflecting the wide range of pathways students are pursuing locally.
Acorn Foundation Chief Executive Lori Luke says the scholarships show the power of community support.
“Everyone plays a role — those who give these scholarships, those who support the students, and the people who run the university. This is what makes the Western Bay what it is,” she says.
The Acorn Foundation Eva Trowbridge Scholarship was awarded to Kayla Dewhurst, a second‑year Law student who is active across local community organisations and hopes to remain in Tauranga after graduating to support those most in need. Julia McLean received the Acorn Foundation Bruce Longmore Scholarship to support her studies towards a Masters of Science in Ecology and Biodiversity after already have completed a Bachelor of Environmental Planning in Science and Environment.
As more students choose to study in Tauranga, these scholarships continue to play a quiet but powerful role by investing in the Western Bay’s future skills and leadership. By easing financial pressure, they help people get into study, stay the course, and graduate successfully, creating positive inter-generational impact within a whanau.
In total 14 students were selected for the TECT First-in-Family Scholarships: Harneet Kaur; Katherine Newman; Devonshire Gabriel; Charmaine Hazell; Anhad Singh; Chelsea Fitt; Amirul Islam; Samantha Clark; Tyler Phillips; Poppie Balm; Caleb Knight; Biddut Mondal; Shayley Drysdale; Nadia Gates.
Whilst ten students received the TECT Returning Student Scholarships: Mace Webster; Aria Gibson; Luke Littlewood; Benjamin Salmon; Wesley Newland; Nikkita Orchard; Myah Ioane; Ciaran Bell; Kacey Henderson; Darren Christopher Wagstaff.
