A new pilot scholarship programme launched last year is proving that leadership development starts from within at MIT and Unitec.
Launched in 2025, the Priority Group Kaimahi ‘Staff’ Leadership Scholarships were created to grow the leadership capability of Māori, Pacific, Disabled and Neurodivergent kaimahi across our institution.
The initiative directly responds to insights from Your Whakaaro kaimahi survey. It reinforces our commitment to attracting, retaining and developing staff who reflect the communities we serve and champion the success of our priority group ākonga ‘students.’
The first six recipients were announced in May 2025 — and early outcomes already show the powerful impact of investing in staff potential and growing our leaders to better serve their communities.
Leadership through service drives Māori lecturer
Academic Development Lecturer (MAIA) Diane Tamati received a Kaimahi Māori Scholarship, which has helped her commence a PhD in Computing.
For Ms Tamati, the motivation was both practical and purposeful.
“I applied to ease the cost of study and to support my professional learning through attending the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE), where hearing Indigenous leaders share their research strengthened my leadership practice and reaffirmed my commitment to Māori learner success,” Diane says.
The scholarship supported her study fees, conference participation and essential technology — practical backing that has enabled her to maintain momentum in her doctoral journey.
“I learnt that the Kaimahi scholarship kaupapa is as much about serving others as it is about personal development,” Tamati reflected. “It strengthened my commitment to lead through contribution, not position.”
Diane describes the scholarship as recognition that reinforces her responsibility to uplift others.
“It reaffirmed my approach to leadership as service to ākonga and colleagues.”
The impact of the scholarship has not only impacted Ms Tamati’s career progression, but it has also simultaneously strengthened our internal research capability.
Removing Barriers, Growing Confidence
For Pacific Success Navigator Rokosiga Morrison, the Pacific Kaimahi Scholarship made it possible to commence a Postgraduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling.
“I applied because I wanted to continue my studies and knew I would need financial support to do so. The scholarship gave me the opportunity to focus on my learning journey,” Rokosiga explains.
“The scholarship played a crucial role in enabling me to do so by removing financial barriers and supporting my learning journey.”
Ms Morrison highlighted the value of wrap-around support provided throughout the year.
“The most rewarding aspect of my scholarship mahi was the strong support I received from the Organisational Development & Equity team. Their assistance with fee payments, reimbursements and check-ins, along with guidance from my supervisor, helped ensure I stayed on track,” she remarked.
Now equipped with advanced counselling knowledge, Rokosiga Morrison sees clear benefits for both her leadership development and the wider community.
“The scholarship has allowed me to gain new knowledge that strengthens both my professional work and the community initiatives I am involved in.”
A Strategic Investment in Capability
Overall, the Kaimahi Leadership Scholarship Programme represents a strategic investment in building culturally responsive, inclusive and diverse leadership across Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland.
The pilot demonstrates that supporting priority learners begins with empowering the kaimahi who walk alongside them every day.
Ms Tamati’s advice to future applicants is that leadership starts with clarity of purpose.
“Be clear about your kaupapa and the impact you want to create — link it to how you will uplift others at work” she explains.
The Organisational Development & Equity team says: “We were delighted to be able to support this kaupapa and absolutely blown away by the passion and talent of our kaimahi and the meaningful mahi they do for our ākonga, kaimahi and communities.
We are currently undertaking a review of the pilot process and outcomes and will communicate further in due course.”