“Whaowhia te kete mātauranga”
‘Fill the basket of Knowledge”
GHA is proud to announce our 2026 scholarship recipients. This year, we awarded seven scholarships, reflecting both the exceptional calibre of applicants and the growing impact of the GHA Scholarship Program.
The annual GHA scholarships recognise outstanding ākonga who demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing the interests of iwi and Māori through their chosen careers. This year, we received applications from many impressive candidates, making the selection process especially competitive.
Through these scholarships, GHA provides financial support to help recipients advance their tertiary studies and achieve their academic and professional aspirations. We congratulate our 2026 scholarship recipients and look forward to seeing the positive contributions they will make to their communities and beyond.
Below, we are proud to introduce our seven scholarship recipients for 2026
Sofie Ruru-Dons
Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki
Sofie completed NCEA Level 3 at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School in Christchurch in 2025 and will be attending the University of Otago to commence her first year of study. Sofie will be studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Finance, and a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Sofie plans to use her study, skills and experience to help her iwi, hapū, whānau and other Māori. Sofie believes it is important to have financial advisors who understand kaupapa and tikanga Māori, to help and advise iwi and hapū in the future. Sofie hopes to work overseas in the future, and use this experience and knowledge to further help her people.
Jayden Smith
Ngāti Whakaue, Te Arawa, Ngāti Manawa, Ngāpuhi
Jayden is in her second year studying a Bachelor of Business Degree at Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato. She has clear aspirations to build a career in accounting, with the goal of working within a Māori‑owned and kaupapa Māori organisation. Jayden is motivated by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the Māori economy, using her financial knowledge and skills to support Māori organisations to grow, manage their finances effectively, and achieve long‑term success. Through her future career as an accountant or business leader, Jayden hopes to make a positive and lasting impact for Māori in Aotearoa.
Oranga Maxted
Te Arawa, Ngāpuhi
Oranga completed his Diploma in Business (Accounting Strand) from Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology in 2025. Since gaining the foundational skills of an accountant through his Diploma, he has been inspired to pursue a Bachelor of Accounting and work towards one of his long-term goals of becoming a Chartered Accountant. One of Oranga’s career aspirations is to overcome resource limitations for Kura Māori and provide a gateway into corporate finance by applying his skills to teach his knowledge to Kura Kaupapa Māori.
Luke Westrupp
Te Arawa, Rongowhakaata
Luke is currently studying towards a conjoint Bachelors degree in Law and Accounting at the University of Auckland, with the intention to continue towards his Chartered Accountant (CA) accreditation. Luke believes his studies in law and accounting positions him well to contribute to Māori economic development, financial capability, and long-term wellbeing of whānau. Luke is committed to supporting whānau through culturally grounded financial guidance, contract management and support, and long-term financial planning. Ultimately, Luke’s aim is to contribute to whānau Māori prosperity and intergenerational success.
Tkay Warmington
Ngāpuhi
Tkay is currently in her third year pursuing a Bachelor of Business with a major in Accounting and a minor in Māori Development at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT). While studying, Tkay has worked towards completing her professional accountancy membership papers supporting her journey to be a certified chartered accountant. Tkay intends to contribute to the Māori business sector by providing accounting expertise and/or advice to existing businesses or potential business start-ups.
Nathan George
Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Manawa, Ngāti Whare, Tuhoe, Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Ngāti Tuwharetoa
Nathan is currently studying towards his Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Business Management and Accounting. Nathan also plans to pursue his teaching diploma with the goal of empowering young Māori and Pacific Islanders through education. Nathan’s aspiration is to develop the knowledge and expertise through his studies to support the economic development of Māori and Pacific Islanders and to ensure sustainable growth. By obtaining this qualification, he believes he will be better equipped to contribute to Māori financial and educational initiatives and help foster opportunities for future generations.
Tiaria Maniapoto
Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāī Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Pikiao, Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao, Ngāti Tuwharetoa
Tiaria is currently in her first year, studying towards a conjoint Bachelors degree in Art and Business at the University of Waikato. Tiaria’s goal once completed is to secure a role that involves, iwi development, Māori economic strategy, management and leadership, business innovation, kaupapa Māori-based planning and decision-making. Tiaria’s long-term career aspiration is to work in the Māori business sector to support iwi economic growth and Māori aspirations. Tiaria is passionate about Māori-led development and is excited to help our people build strong, sustainable, values-based enterprises that support intergenerational prosperity.
