2 minute read
SCHOLAR HAS VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Taiawhio Waipoua-Bryers wants to combine sustainable environmental solutions with mātauranga Māori to bring innovation to how whenua is managed so it can be protected for the future generations to come.
“I feel a strong sense of kaitiakitanga towards the land and the environment,” he says. “I am studying to learn more about the science of sustainability and environmental management so that I can combine it with my cultural heritage and knowledge to bring the two perspectives together.”
“Conserving the integrity of the land in a way that upholds the indigenous rights of my people will be a very important aspect of my work and career.”
Taiawhio is studying for a Bachelor of Science (Technology) degree at Waikato University, majoring in Environmental Science and Māori and Indigenous studies and was inspired to follow this direction in his life by his koroheke, Graeme Kilgour.
“Koro worked in Forestry and had a lifelong passion for the bush. He really fostered that love of nature and the environment in me from a young age,” he says. “I would like to acknowledge the huge role he plays in my life. I would also like to acknowledge my kuikui, Ann Kilgour, who is a PKW shareholder, and my family for always supporting me.”
Taiawhio’s vision and aspirations for his life’s work made him a stand out candidate to receive the scholarship, according to Gordon McCormick, Ravensdown Training Manager and Mentor.
“His values of ensuring agricultural sustainability and environmental responsibility in a sector that faces ever increasing challenges are also ones that we hold strongly here at Ravensdown,” Gordon says. “This scholarship helps us to identify people who are going to make a real contribution to the agribusiness industry in the future and I think Taiawhio is going to be a major success story.”
The scholarship, worth $5000 towards study fees, also offers an opportunity to Taiawhio to spend time at Ravensdown to gain real industry experience in his chosen field.
“I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to go and kōrero with people who have an environmental and agricultural mindset like mine,” he says. “I want to be able to build strong connections with both Ravensdown and PKW so that one day I can go and give back to them for making this opportunity possible for me.”
This is the third year the PKW-Ravensdown scholarship, for whānau of PKW shareholders undertaking undergraduate study in agriculture, horticulture, science or environmental based degrees where stewardship of the land is a key component of study, has been awarded and Gordon says the relationship between the two organisations is growing in strength.
“From our perspective, providing opportunities in partnership with PKW continues to build on the connection we have through our aligned business values and environmental focus,” he adds. “Investing in the future of the industry is important to us both and this scholarship enables us to work together towards a shared goal.”
