9 February 2026
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Whānau Awhina Plunket’s Mere Harper and Ria Tikini Memorial scholarship is now open for applications.
The annual scholarship provides financial support of $3,000 to a full-time nursing student of Ngāi Tahu descent who is in their final year of study.
It commemorates the work of Mere Harper and Ria Tikini – two highly respected Māori midwives and healers from Karitāne who were instrumental in Plunket’s beginnings. The scholarship aims to support the next generation of Māori nurses to thrive.
Last year two outstanding nursing students shared the scholarship – Chantal Vanisi and Reia Hartgers each received $1,500 towards their Bachelor of Nursing degrees.
Applications are via Ngāi Tahu’s Kā Pūtea scholarships process and close on 1 April.
