New scholarship targets study to restore healthy Waikato River

Waikato-Tainui and the Waikato District Council have jointly launched a new $10,000 student scholarship designed to raise awareness of the vision and strategy for the Waikato River, and to support tertiary studies that may contribute to restoring its health and wellbeing.

Waikato District Mayor Allan Sanson says, “This scholarship arises from our commitment to our Joint Management Agreement with Waikato-Tainui to co-manage, protect and restore the Waikato River.  It also honours our joint aims to enhance the relationships between all those concerned with improving and sustaining the river.  We want to support the future voice of our Maaori youth in this endeavour. 

“We also recognise that politically, socially, culturally and economically, Waikato-Tainui are key partners contributing to the success of our district,” he says.

Rukumoana Schaafhausen, Chair of Te Arataura, Waikato-Tainui’s executive board, says, “If we are to be successful in our aspirations to restore and protect the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River for future generations, then we must engage our rangatahi to uphold that commitment.

“This scholarship is a stepping stone for those who will one day make valued contributions to support the vision and strategy. It also reflects the ongoing commitment Waikato-Tainui and the Waikato District Council have made to improving and sustaining the Waikato River.” 

The scholarship is targeted at supporting Waikato-Tainui rangatahi (youth) studying Planning, Resource Management, Environmental Science, Ecology Studies or Engineering at either undergraduate or postgraduate level (NZQA levels 6-9).  Applications close on 31 March 2018.

The Waikato River Joint Management Agreement (JMA) between Waikato-Tainui and Waikato District Council was signed in March 2010. 

EDITORS’ NOTE:
More information about the Waikato-Tainui and Waikato District Council Waikato River Scholarship and how to apply for it can be found on Waikato-Tainui’s website at www.waikatotainui.com .

More information on the JMA and a link to the Joint Management Agreement document can be found on the Waikato District Council’s website at www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/your-district/iwi-in-our-district/iwi-working-together. 

For more information please contact:
Crystal Beavis
Senior Communications Advisor, Waikato District Council
07 824 8633,  communications@waidc.govt.nz
OR
Kiriwai Mangan
Communications Advisor, Waikato-Tainui
DD 07 858 0446, Mob 027 839 9803, Kiriwai.Mangan@tainui.co.nz