The recipients of the Priority Group Kaimahi Leadership Scholarships have been announced.
These scholarships will develop the leadership potential of Māori, Pacific, Disabled and Neurodivergent kaimahi, which reflects our commitment to attracting, retaining and growing our capability to support the success of learner groups underserved in our education systems.
“We congratulate those who were successful in receiving support, while also thanking the many kaimahi who submitted applications and those who assisted us with the selection process,” say co-Executive Directors for Region 1, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga and Toa Faneva.
“The Selection Committee was highly impressed by the number and quality of applications received, especially as this was the first time the scholarships have been offered.”
Secondary School and Community Senior Liaison, Blair Sorensen, says receiving the Kaimahi Māori scholarship will support his current role engaging with the community and high schools.
“Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to receive the scholarship, and I recognise all the amazing staff that we have across both institutes. The scholarship provides the ability to develop my professional capability, and I’m excited for how the year will progress. I hope to provide ongoing updates as the year develops. Mauri ora!” he says.
MIT’s Head of School, Health and Counselling, Radhika Kumar says receiving a Pacific Kaimahi scholarship represents an invaluable opportunity to strengthen her leadership capability and deepen her impact within MIT and the wider tertiary education sector.
(Above) Head of School, Health and Counselling, MIT, Radhika Kumar
“It validates my commitment to personal and professional growth and reinforces my dedication to serving and empowering others through effective leadership,” she says.
“I intend to use the scholarship to complete my second postgraduate qualification, a Master’s in Educational Leadership Programme. The insights and skills I gain will directly enhance my ability to guide and motivate others, contribute to a more engaged and collaborative workforce, and drive meaningful change.
Ultimately, this scholarship will not only support my leadership journey but also benefit the communities I serve—students, staff, and the broader MIT whānau.”
Pacific Kaimahi scholarship recipient, Rokosiga Morrison, who supports Pacific learners and kaimahi at Unitec as a Pacific Success Navigator, is planning to pursue a second master’s degree in counselling.
(Above) Pacific Success Navigator, Unitec, Rokosiga Morrison
“I am currently providing pastoral care to our students and actively engaged in counselling within the community. This scholarship would enable me to pursue a second master’s degree in counselling, further equipping me to serve effectively and contribute to increasing the number of qualified Pacific counsellors in Aotearoa,” she explains.
Academic Development Lecturer, Ruth Laing, says she is very grateful to receive the Disabled/Neurodivergent Kaimahi scholarship.
“It will help me to build awareness of what is needed to support staff with disabilities. I plan to run workshops for staff and students. In the longer term, I will use the understandings I am gaining through my PHD journey and attending conferences.”
Pacific Kaimahi recipient Liz Keneti, who is the Head of Student Experience & Success at MIT, says receiving this scholarship will allow her to complete a postgraduate programme she started a few years ago.
(Above) MIT Head of Student Experience & Success, Liz Keneti
“It would be a personal validation of the work I have done so far and will support my professional growth and progression in the future. Completing my masters will help give me the confidence and credibility to contribute more to MIT and to the wider tertiary sector,” she says.
Senior Leadership Team are committed to these scholarships as part of the 2025 Your Whakaaro Action Plan.
People and Culture will work alongside the successful applicants, their managers and key stakeholders to support planning and progress of their proposal to fully realise their outcomes. In coming months, look out for updates on the mahi that is being done with the support of the scholarships.
This year’s recipients are:
Kaimahi Māori:
Blair Sorensen – Secondary School & Community Senior Liaison, Unitec Pathways College, Unitec
Diane Tamati – Academic Development Lecturer (Māori), Māori Success, Unitec
Pacific Kaimahi:
Radhika Kumar – Head of Health & Counselling, School of Health & Counselling, MIT
Rokosiga Morrison – Pacific Success Navigator, Pacific Success, Unitec
Liz Keneti – Head of Student Experience & Success, Student Experience and Success, MIT
Disabled/Neurodivergent:
Ruth Laing – Academic Development Lecturer, Student Success, Unitec
Congratulations everyone – well done.