Ngāti Whātua names first tech scholarship recipients

Ngāti Whātua and Revved have named Manaia Te Paa and LaDainian Faimanifo as the first recipients of the Whātua Whitawhita technology scholarship, which supports young Māori pursuing technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The inaugural programme backs Māori rangatahi aged 18 to 25 with financial support, mentoring, industry introductions and leadership development.

Manaia Te Paa, 19, is interested in digital storytelling, content creation and emerging technology. Through work at his mother's business, Hine Rei, he has gained experience in photography, videography, social media and digital marketing, focusing on making kaupapa Māori more accessible while staying connected to culture and community.

LaDainian Faimanifo, 18, is studying for a Bachelor of Software Engineering at Media Design School and aims to build a career in technology and gaming. He has also drawn on the influence of his father's background in the creative industries, including work at WetaFX, as he explores digital systems while staying grounded in his whakapapa and cultural identity.

Ngāti Whātua and Revved established the scholarship to support young Māori who show leadership potential, a commitment to positive outcomes for their communities, and a clear sense of how their work in technology could have a wider impact.

Recipients can use the funding for study, training, equipment or venture development. The programme also connects them with industry and iwi leaders, as well as entrepreneurs and investors.

Backing talent

Ngāti Whātua Chief Executive Officer Renata Blair said the scholarship was designed to create an ongoing relationship rather than provide a single payment.

"Ngāti Whātua and Revved have come together around one thing: backing Māori rangatahi in technology - with funding, mentorship, and a network - so the talent that's already here has what it needs to go further. It is not a one-off grant; it is the start of a long relationship, grounded in both capability and community," Blair said.

He said the award was also part of a wider intergenerational investment.

"Whātua Whitawhita represents a broader vision of investing in future generations. Manaia and LaDainian are true representatives of this kaupapa, and we are excited to support their future and help facilitate the many opportunities ahead of them," Blair said.

The partnership reflects a broader effort to increase Māori representation in technology fields as digital skills become more central to the economy and business formation.

For Revved, the scholarship also responds to concerns that technological change can deepen existing inequalities if access and support are uneven.

Revved Founder Rochelle Moffitt said businesses and leaders have a role in creating a more equitable future.

"That's exactly what Rēnata did when he approached us with this vision, and we're now bringing it to life alongside our first recipients, LaDainian and Manaia.

"Technology is reshaping our economy, and without action that risks widening inequality. This scholarship exists to make sure Māori are designers of that future, not just participants in it. Together, we can make a huge difference."

Long-term plan

Both organisations want to develop Whātua Whitawhita into a long-running programme backed by businesses, investors and other organisations, alongside an alumni network to support future recipients.

The first awards highlight two routes into the digital economy: one through storytelling and media, the other through software engineering and gaming. In both cases, the organisers have emphasised technology as a way to express identity, strengthen links to culture and build careers.

The scholarship's name, Whātua Whitawhita, translates as Powering Up. Its first recipients were chosen from candidates drawn to technology, innovation and entrepreneurship who were also expected to show how their ambitions could benefit others.

Faimanifo is studying software engineering at a specialist digital education provider, while Te Paa's experience comes from practical work in a kaupapa Māori business environment. Their selection gives the programme an early profile across both the technical and creative sides of the sector.