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Trust Alumni Programme
Te Āti Hau Trust is closer to achieving its goal of establishing the Te Āti Hau Trust alumni programme.
The programme aims to maintain the connection grant recipients have with the Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporation (AWHI) as well as provide opportunities for them to network amongst each other and give back to their whānau, hapū and iwi,” says Te Āti Hau Trust Chair Keria Ponga.
“The Trust is genuinely interested in knowing how our investment is adding value to their future, and the future aspirations of Awhi. We want to be able to share in their journey, and also celebrate in their success.”
The alumni programme is still in its early stages and a project scoping document is being finalized to determine what the alumni pathway and programme will look like.
“Our people are out there doing the most amazing things,” says Te Āti Hau Trust Independent trustee Jessica Smith. “Members will not only be able to help us better understand what help or support potential recipients need, but also tell us ways in which they want to be able to reconnect with our people and form partnerships to be able to make a contribution back to their communities.”
Above centre: Former grant recipient Elijah Pue is leading a new alumni programme for Te Āti Hau Trust.
Elijah Pue has been chosen to lead this important piece of work for the Trust.
Now a cultural development lead at the Ngāti Rangi Trust in Ohakune, Elijah received financial support from the Te Āti Hau Trust during his time studying for his Bachelor of Arts degree in Māori Studies and te reo Māori at Victoria University of Wellington.
During his time in Wellington, Elijah (Ngāti Rangi, Ngāti Uenuku, Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) spent time working at Parliament as a private secretary to Dame Tariana Turia, a policy analyst to the Māori Party, and at Victoria University as a policy administrator for the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Māori). Elijah has since moved home to Raetihi to give back to his people and to be closer to his whānau.
“The money from the Trust not only helped with basic needs such as food and accommodation, it also opened the door to allow me to engage with my iwi and understand more about Te Āti Hau Trust,” he says. “It was a privilege to have that kind of support.”
“Now, by coming home, I can give back on a daily basis in my job as well as being on my marae and contributing to my people and my culture.”
He is keen to see an alumni programme where recipients will follow his lead and give back to their iwi.
“I want to create the norm where people who apply for these scholarships don’t just apply for it and then say, ‘See you later’,” he says. “I want to help them understand what it means to receive this money, where it comes from and how this money is generated. To understand that it is the basis of our connection to our whenua, and the fruits of the sacrifice our tīpuna made to ensure we have these opportunities to realise our dreams and aspirations.”
TOITŪ TE TANGATA
