-
For Home
For Home
Categories
- For Builders
- For Business
- About Us
- Contact and Support
- Our Sustainability
WM New Zealand has proudly launched a new scholarship programme in partnership with the University of Auckland, designed to support talented Māori students pursuing degrees in Engineering and Digital Technology.
The scholarships will be distributed among five outstanding recipients over the course of three to four years, depending on their study pathway. The programme aims to nurture the next generation of Māori professionals in fields critical to building a more sustainable Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Whatumoana Paki Scholarship is named in honour of respected Māori elder Whatumoana Paki QSO, with the blessing of the Kiingitanga (Māori King movement). Whatumoana Paki was the husband of the late Dame Te Atairangikaahu, father of the late Kiingi Tūheitia Paki, and grandfather of the current Māori Kuīni (Queen), Te Arikinui Ngā wai hono i te pō.
At a special ceremony held at the University of Auckland on Thursday 6 March, Prince Whatumoana Paki Jr presented the scholarships, paying tribute to his grandfather’s memory and lifelong service to Māori communities.
“As a family, we remember Whatumoana, known to us as Pop, as a man of many talents — skilled in carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. He embraced the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle long before they became fashionable.”
WM New Zealand Managing Director, Evan Maehl, says the company is proud to support the advancement of Māori students in sectors shaping our future.
“This scholarship reflects our long-term commitment to sustainability and equity. We’re investing in future leaders who will not only excel in their fields but also uplift their communities and contribute to Aotearoa’s circular economy.”
Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)
"I'm incredibly proud of who I am and where I come from. I want to give back to my whānau, hapū, and iwi. There aren't many Māori in this field, so I see an opportunity to be a role model and show others it's possible to follow your aspirations."
Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Science
"Once I complete my studies, I want to contribute positively to my community and the tech industry. I also hope to create new technologies that help address global environmental challenges."
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
"In the past few years, I’ve reconnected with my taha Māori — researching whakapapa, reconnecting with whānau and returning to my tūrangawaewae, Taranaki."
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
"I plan to give back through software engineering, creating a business and practical solutions for everyday challenges faced in our communities."
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
"My biggest inspiration is my whānau. I want to be Māori in a space where there are so few, because representation matters."
WM New Zealand extends a heartfelt thank you to Te Teira Rawiri, Te Tuanui Paki, Craig Plested, Evan Maehl and the wider team who brought this vision to life.
This scholarship represents more than financial support — it's an investment in future leaders who embody resilience, innovation, and a strong connection to culture.