Scholarships strengthen Māori voices in data science

He Raranga Muka is designed to enable the next generation of iwi Māori data scientists to weave their data science skills with their Māoritanga, creating new opportunities for themselves, their whānau, hapū and iwi.  

Successful kaitono were formally presented with their scholarship at a ceremony in Rotorua on Thursday 10 April 2025.  

He Raranga Muka is one of seven data analytics capability and capacity building initiatives developed by Te Kāhui Raraunga through Te Mana Whakatipu – a programme that is focused on building iwi Māori data capability and capacity across the motu. 

This is the second time Te Kāhui Raraunga have offered these scholarships, with the first round of pūtea tautoko awarded in May 2024. 

Kirikowhai Mikaere, Lead Technician for the Data Iwi Leaders Group and Te Kāhui Raraunga, says the scholarships remove a significant barrier for upcoming Māori data scientists. 

“He Raranga Muka data analytics scholarships are designed to support the development of Māori voices and perspectives within the field of data science,” says Kirikowhai. 

“These scholarships also open a door to connect with other Māori data scientists and tauira, strengthening their networks and creating new opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaboration.” 

More than 35 kaitono from across Aotearoa answered the call for applications in January this year.  

Recipients are all studying data science or data-related degrees at registered tertiary institutions in Aotearoa, whakapapa Māori and have been endorsed by their iwi. 

Te Mana Whakatipu Programme Manager, Kateriina Selwyn, says He Raranga Muka attracted a high calibre of tauira Māori. 

“It is encouraging to see the number of kaitono for He Raranga Muka, and their aspirations to grow their expertise in Māori data science,” says Kateriina.  

“Our scholarship recipients show a real desire to weave a tirohanga Māori, Māori lens, into their study and ultimately contribute to the wellbeing of their iwi, hapū and whānau.” 

Renata King (Ngāti Maniapoto, Tainui, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Te Ātiawa Nui Tonu, and Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri) is in his third year of a data science degree at the University of Canterbury.   

Renata says his academic and professional aspirations remain deeply rooted in his identity.

“My connection to my iwi continues to guide my studies and career, reinforcing my desire to use data as a tool for empowerment, self-determination, and rangatiratanga,” says Renata. 

“Receiving this scholarship means critical financial support as I continue my studies.  

“It also empowers me to continue advocating for Māori data sovereignty and self-determined data practices, ensuring that Māori communities not only have access to data but also control how it is collected, interpreted, and used.” 

The recipients of 2025 He Raranga Muka data analytics scholarships are: 

• Connor Chadwick (Ngati Toa, Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Rongmaiwahine, Ngati Kahungunu, Ngati Rangi, Te Ati Haunui-a-paparangi ) 

• Xavia Connolly (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi, Ngāruahine, Mōkai Pātea, Ngāti Whakauae, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Whātua) 

• Tyrell Gemmell (Ngāti Kahungunu Wairoa and Heretaunga, Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Te Aupōuri, Tainui) 

• Renata King (Ngāti Maniapoto, Tainui, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Te Ātiawa Nui Tonu, and Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri) 

• Remy Meaux (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Tiipa, Te Aupōuri ) 

• Kahura Moke (Ngati Toa Rangatira, Ngati Mahuta, Ngati Hikairo, Ngai Tuhoe, Te Rarawa, Te Au Pouri, Ngati Maniapoto, Ngai Tahu, Ngati Haua) 

• Gerard Murphy (Ngāi Tahu) 

• Rere-No-A-Rangi Pope (Ngā Ruahine, Te Ātiawa, Taranaki, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Rauru, Te Whakatōhea) 

• Jorja Rosser (Te Ātiawa Taranaki) 

• Eli Simpkins-Simmonds (Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao, Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) 

• Detroit Travers (Ngāti Porou) 

• Brianna Verspeek (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hako, Ngāti Tamaterā) 

• Reegan Walker (Ngāti Kahu)