Congratulations to the first four recipients of Northland Regional Council's Tū i te Ora Scholarships programme - Courtney Sanson, Huia Webby, Katherine (Katarina) Tautuhi, and Zane Williams who each received $3000 toward their studies in 2020.

The official period ended in mid-February 2020, with 72 applications, three-quarters of which were from Māori who whakapapa to Te Taitokerau.

The annual scholarships recognise and support students whose efforts reflect the regional council’s key drivers and its mission of ‘working together to create a healthy environment, strong economy and resilient communities’. They also aim to build Māori capacity in Northland and provide opportunities for further education.

The benefits of the scholarships include raising students’ environmental awareness and understanding, encouraging Mātauranga Māori research and education, as well as promoting leadership and innovation. They aim to build Māori capacity within Te Taitokerau and provide opportunities for further education, providing a springboard for future environmental leaders and champions in Northland and encourage people into careers related to council activities.

The council is delighted to be supporting such promising Northland talent, and we look forward to seeing their bright careers develop in the future. 

Courtney Sanson

Courtney Sanson is working towards a Master of Environmental Sciences.

Courtney Sanson from Tautoro has a Bachelor of Science (Earth Sciences) and is working towards a Master of Environmental Sciences focusing on water quality. Her dedication and ambition make her one to watch.

Courtney was involved in the riparian planting at Lake Omapere and worked alongside GNS experts that focused on sedimentation in the Hokianga Harbour.

"My study and experience can help with water quality issues and provide land use options for whanau, hapū and iwi."

Huia Webby

Huia Webby is studying a Bachelor of Science majoring in Marine Studies.

Huia Webby from Whangārei is studying a Bachelor of Science majoring in Marine Studies. Huia is passionate about Northland's marine ecology and is especially interested in the aquaculture industry.

"Aquaculture could strengthen our regional economy, take the pressure off wild fisheries, and give the environment a chance to recuperate."

In the future, Huia would like to combine her skills and knowledge in biology and mathematics. This will help her effectively work on protecting our native and endemic species from the stresses of climate change and introduced competitors/predators.

Katherine (Katarina) Tautuhi

Katarina Tautuhi is studying for a Master of Māori and Indigenous Studies.

Katarina Tautuhi from Kaipara, has a Bachelor of Mātauranga Māori and is now studying for a Master of Māori and Indigenous Studies. Katarina spent most of her life on the marae in the District of Huketere, Matakohe. She is invested in restoring and protecting Whenua and Mōana, and she has a great understanding of Matauranga Māori and western science.

"My contribution will add value to our environment that will benefit the people and our resources," Katarina says.

Zane Williams

Zane Williams is studying for a Bachelor of AgriCommerce.

Zane Williams from Whangārei is studying for a Bachelor of AgriCommerce at Massey University and is looking to become a leader in the agricultural sector. Zane has a strong connection to the land and agriculture through his Nana and Poppa, who had a dairy farm in Dargaville. It was there he discovered his passion for agriculture.

"I see agricultural businesses and rural communities playing an integral role in Northland's future. Alongside them, we must protect the environment to ensure we can continue to provide food to New Zealand and the world sustainably."