Teresia Teaiwa Memorial Scholarship
In memory of Associate Professor Teresia Teaiwa, two scholarships are available to support students of Pacific Studies.
The Teresia Teaiwa Memorial Scholarships are awarded annually to Pasifika students in Pacific Studies. One scholarship is available for undergraduate students and one for postgraduate students.
As the Director of Va'aomanū Pasifika, Teresia strongly believed that Pasifika scholarships make a real difference—scholarships not only make the University more accessible but also increase the number of students continuing on to postgraduate studies. Her aim was to reinforce the value of higher education in creating a better future for all Pacific peoples.
About the scholarship fund
The generous outpouring of support towards Teresia’s dream of providing targeted scholarships to Pasifika students studying Pacific Studies at Victoria University of Wellington has been incredibly moving. The fundraising goal for the Teresia Teaiwa Memorial Scholarship Fund has now been exceeded—with more than $280,000 raised.
Now the fundraising target has been reached, scholarships can be awarded each year in perpetuity and will make a significant difference to generations of Pacific Studies students, says Dr April Henderson, programme director of Va'aomanū Pasifika.
“We have had so much support from family, friends, alumni, colleagues, and the community, building upon the substantial initial gift from Teresia herself. These scholarships will carry on her great legacy and I'm moved that, together, we were able to realise her dream.”
The University helped honour Teresia’s final wish by matching her family’s contribution of $100,000, in addition to the generous donations received from individuals and organisations.
Scholarships shaping Pasifika futures
The 2021 recipients of the Teresia Teaiwa Memorial Scholarships are postgraduate student Dominique (Dom) Kafatolu and undergraduate student Litara Allan.