Changes to better support Ātihau uri

Update on grants, education and scholarship programme.

The desire to make it easier for shareholders and their beneficiaries to get pūtea to where it is needed has driven a change to the grants and scholarship programme run by Te Āti Hau Trust.

The changes affect general grants, including those for marae and kaumātua, as well as education grants and scholarships from secondary school to tertiary.

“We are moving toward a more streamlined process when it comes to applying for and distributing grants that will make it easier for our people. It also recognises the mana of our marae and kaumātua to determine what is important to them,” says Trust chairwoman Keria Ponga.

“There is now no set criteria for our marae and kaumātua. Our trust is now leaving it up to them to determine what their priorities are. This change is about us respecting that our people know what is best for them.”

On the sporting front, changes have been made that mean school teams can no longer apply for grants.

“We want to put the focus back on the student rather than the school, so our children who are representing their region competing at an international or national level can still get support from us as a child or mokopuna of a shareholder rather than as a student at a particular school,” explains Keria.

Traditionally, the Trust has required groups taking part in the annual Hui Aranga and organising the annual Pākaitore Day celebrations to submit an application.

Under the new changes, those groups will no longer need to submit formal applications every year. This can add up to a lot of paperwork and mahi at both ends of the application process.

“Because we know who these groups are and when these events are held, we now ask that you write to the Trust advising that your rōpū is travelling to the Hui Aranga outside your rohe, noting the number attending,” says Keria.

“Likewise, with the Pākaitore celebrations organisers, we ask that they write to the Trust advising that the event is going ahead.”

Changes to the education grants and scholarships consist of two new developments that relate to timing and paperwork. All education categories and funding amounts have been maintained.

There will now be three opportunities, rather than two, throughout the 2019 calendar year for students to apply for grants and scholarships. The deadlines are now on 31 March, 31 May and 31 August.

“The new deadlines bring the timing into line with both study semesters and our trust’s financial year,” says Keria.

The other change in education grants affects Year 10 and 11 secondary school students who will no longer have to complete an application form for their second year of study. Instead of reapplying to the Trust for support, they only need to submit written confirmation from the secondary school that they are still enrolled.

While still in early stages, the Trust is also setting up an alumni group to ensure it stays connected with shareholders and beneficiaries who have received education grant support.

“It is important that we share in their journey and that we consider opportunities to support others.”

Keria said the Trust is continually looking at ways to improve the grants and scholarship programme. This includes bringing the secretary role in-house as well as the possibility of online applications.

“Giving our people and staff the ability to apply online is something we are looking at, as this is likely to make the process even easier and faster.”

Bringing the secretary role in-house is another step toward streamlining the ability to help those who require it.