Four learners have won Acorn Foundation scholarships, 11 students were granted TECT First-in-Family awards, and 10 students were awarded TECT Returning Student scholarships.

Students from the University of Waikato Tauranga campus celebrated their awards with friends and family in March.

These scholarships are provided by Acorn Foundation donors and by the trustees of TECT to help students afford the expenses of tertiary education.

The first scholarship from Acorn was the Acorn Foundation Beverly Perszyk Scholarship.

This award is intended for a student who is the first in their family to go on to tertiary study and has completed at least one year at university. This year’s winner is Aria Gibson, who is in her second year of studying a Bachelor of Science, majoring in marine science.

“Attending university was a massive step for me to take as it marked the beginning of my journey into adulthood and gaining independence. My parents have always advocated for choice in regard to the journey after high school and are incredibly proud that I have found the study route and career path,” Gibson said.

The next scholarship was the Acorn Foundation Kenneth Perszyk Sr Adult Learner Scholarship.

This award is for the financial assistance of adult learners (40 years and over) during any stage of their study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level at the University of Waikato Tauranga campus.

Scholarship winner

This year’s winner is Te Puke High School deputy principal Simon McGillivray, who is completing a one-year Diploma in Te Tohu Paetahi, an immersion Māori language programme.

About 45% of the student population of Te Puke High School is Māori, and McGillivray says he feels that it’s very important to model the use of te reo Māori when he represents the school and the community. This course will assist him to demonstrate in education and society the cultural significance and important taonga of the language.

“I would like to think it’s never too late to learn, improve learning outcomes, provide opportunities for Māori students and inspire new Te Reo Māori learners.”

Bruce Longmore Scholarship

The Acorn Foundation Bruce Longmore Scholarship was awarded for the first time in 2025, to a student in undergraduate or postgraduate education who has completed at least 2 years of study in the fields of marine science, environmental science, or ecology and biodiversity.

The inaugural award has been issued to Bella Muir, a student entering her third year of study in a Bachelor of Science, majoring in marine science.

Eva Trowbridge Scholarship

In 2007, the Acorn Foundation Eva Trowbridge Scholarship was launched, and it has up to now assisted 18 adult students, 25 years and older, to undertake studies through the University of Waikato Tauranga campus.

This year’s winner is well-respected Te Puke local Louisa Westerlund.

She is a valued volunteer at Bay Financial Mentors and many other non-profit organisations. Westerlund is currently studying for a Bachelor of Laws.