Archive #27/65: Te Whāiti-Nui-Ā-Toi Scholarship Scheme, 1972

The Te Whaiti-nui-a-toi Scholarship scheme was introduced in 1972. This began an era in the College’s history that was totally unique, and which gave so many Maori boys a splendid chance of gaining the sort of education that would assist them to become leaders and innovators.

The efforts of the Trustees of the Te Whaiti Farm, the members and affiliates of the Māori Synod and the Presbyterian Church, and in particular Mr. Rodney Gallen, Mr. John Rangihau, and Mr. Jim Pine, all helped in launching the scheme and remained instrumental in ensuring the Te-Whāiti-Nui-Ā-Toi Scholarship and its first few attendees, became established within the College environment.

The Te Whāiti-Nui-Ā-Toi Scholarship achieved a high level of leadership success in 1986, when 18 Te Whāiti Scholars led by John Timu, represented Ngāti Kahungunu at the Te Māori Exhibition opening, and in the official Pōwhiri for Queen Elizabeth to Hawke's Bay. Featured is the official photograph of the 1987 ‘Te Whāiti Boys’ or, Te Whāiti-Nui-Ā-Toi Scholars, which is mounted proudly in the College as it represents their combined level of achieved success.

There are 18 Te Whāiti Scholars depicted ranging from years 9 to 13, and to give an idea of their success, 10 of the boys became School Prefects, 13 made the 1st XV Rugby Team, 5 made the 1st XI Cricket Team, and 10 the Softball ‘A’ Team. With 1 boy topping School Certificate Mathematics in New Zealand, 2 became All Blacks (one the Captain), 2 played provincial rugby for Hawkes Bay and Otago, 5 played rugby as New Zealand Secondary Schools’ representatives, 14 played rugby for Hawke’s Bay Secondary Schools, and 4 played cricket as Hawke’s Bay Secondary Schools’ representatives.Of all the boys in the photograph, the huge majority – seventeen in fact, have gone on to successful careers. There are 3 Law degrees, 5 Accounting degrees, 2 Secondary School Teachers and 8 with leadership roles in business, administration and policy.

To say that we are proud of the results the Te Whāiti-Nui-Ā-Toi Scholarship scheme has produced is an understatement, and it is the College’s belief that the recipients have have indeed been given great opportunities to excel. These opportunities are now manifest in the contribution that many of those young men who attended since 1972, have made and are still presently making in the development of New Zealand society today.

For more photos click here.