Ngā Karahipi Whakaeke | The MinterEllisonRuddWatts Awards Programme provides financial assistance and pastoral support for Māori law students who are the first member of their whānau to attend university. Whakaeke means to enable arrival, as we hope to support more Māori students through their law studies and to achieve their goals.
Applications for two awards, Whakaeke Tāmaki and Whakaeke Pōneke, can be made through Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland and Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. We are proud to support the next generation of Māori lawyers and look forward to seeing where this programme can help to take our talented students.
Our 2026 Awards, Whakaeke Tāmaki and Whakaeke Pōneke, provide financial assistance of $5,000 (paid at the start of semester / trimester 1, 2026) and mentoring and CV support from our firm.
To be eligible for Award consideration, applicants must:
Selection will be based on the applicant’s demonstrated passion for a career in law, potential to contribute to the law profession, motivation to succeed at university, and their personal circumstances including any financial or other hardship, as assessed by a personal statement. Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend a kōrero with the Selection Committee where they will be invited to share their background and future aspirations. Shortlisted applicants will also be invited to share their pepeha in Māori or English (optional/if known). Shortlisted applicants may be accompanied by a support person.
The Award will be made to two students, one from each law school at Waipapa Taumata Rau – University of Auckland and Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington.
Refer to the University Scholarship page for further information:
Sign-up to receive relevant insights and invitations from MinterEllisonRuddWatts.
Sign up