Award categories

Scholarships are given across 4 award categories aimed at supporting the skills, talents or aspirations of rangatahi.

Journey towards success

“Kia eke panuku. Overcoming adversity, a continuous journey towards success.”

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Award categories

Rangatahi can be nominated for the following awards, valued from $3,000:

Te Ihumanea – Academic Go-Getter

This award recognises a rangatahi who is excelling in academic pursuits and who shows determination to pursue further study outside of high school.

Funds can be used for any costs related to study, such as course fees, equipment or books, and halls of residence. This could include study at:

  • university
  • whare wānanga
  • technical institute
  • industry training organisation
  • other courses or learning opportunities.

In previous years, rangatahi have said they would put this scholarship towards training to become early childhood educators, flight attendants, sports and exercise professionals, police officers, social workers and tourism managers.

Te Rakahinonga Auaha – Creative Entrepreneur

This award recognises a rangatahi who has demonstrated a significant level of achievement in the arts or creative fields, or who has used toi or creativity to effect change in their community.

Funds can be used for any costs related to this. This might include:

  • pursuing performing arts including kapa haka, dance, music, film, acting or theatre
  • gaining experience in other fields such as events, graphic design, fashion design, fine arts, raranga weaving etc
  • setting up a business in a creative field.

In previous years, rangatahi have put this scholarship towards buying a special guillotine for a card-making business, travelling to attend New York Fashion Week and purchasing a camera lens to pursue photography.

Te Mahi ā-Rehe – Skills, Technology and Trades Achiever

This award recognises a promising and skilled rangatahi who works well with their hands and is enthusiastic about a trade, sport or technology industry.

This scholarship is designed to support hands-on, practical or vocational learning – which may not be taught in a classroom environment.

Funds can be used for any costs related to trades, technology or vocational learning. This could include:

  • trades (such as construction, plumbing, roofing, electrical, drain laying, engineering etc)
  • agriculture and horticulture (such as farming, dairy, fencing, viticulture, beekeeping etc)
  • software engineering, coding, web design, robotics
  • tourism, travel, hospitality, catering and cooking
  • sports, fitness and recreation
  • hairdressing, barbering, nails and beauty
  • emergency management, paramedic and fire services.

In previous years, rangatahi have used this scholarship to complete a nail and lash technician course, purchase tools for apprenticeships, and take barista training.

Te Iho Pūmanawa – Whakamana Tangata

This award recognises a rangatahi who has demonstrated an outstanding contribution to their whānau, community, church, school or peers.

Usually recipients of this award have inspired others – through their leadership, advocacy, reo or culture – to make a positive change in their own life or the lives of others.

Funds can be used for any costs related to boosting the contributions of the rangatahi in this area. This might include:

  • leadership or personal development courses
  • preparing for internships or presentations
  • attending conferences or speaking events
  • advocacy programmes.

In previous years rangatahi have used this scholarship to become young leaders in whakairo (carving) and midwifery, and to support their role as a youth advocate and board member by purchasing a home office setup.

More information

Find out more information about eligibility criteria, how scholarship funds can be used, and nomination instructions here:

Make a nomination for the PMOT Awards

If you have any questions about the Awards, feel free to contact us at: PrimeMinistersAwards@ot.govt.nz

Awards 127
An award nominator (left) with Paddy Gower, the MC for the 2022 Prime Minister's Oranga Tamariki Awards celebration.

Published: July 9, 2021 · Updated: July 26, 2024