More scientists, engineers and critical thinkers needed

The typical Parininihi ki Waitotara (PKW) scholarship recipient is a young woman studying at Massey University for a career in the health sector and carrying a student loan of up to $49,000, according to an initiative to find out how PKW students are faring.

Results from the Student Destinations survey 2019 have been analysed to gain insight into the impact of PKW’s investment in supporting between 180 and 200 tertiary students each year. The grants and scholarship programme distributes $250,000–$300,000 to students annually with the support of co-funders Te Korowai o Ngāruahine, Te Kāhui o Taranaki, Te Kotahitanga o Te Ātiawa, Ballance AgriNutrients, Marsh Insurance, Meridian Energy, Nova Energy, Victoria University of Wellington, Farmlands, Ravensdown, and BNZ.

Mitchell Ritai, General Manager Shareholder Engagement, said the survey canvassed last year’s 180 recipients and received 67 responses.

The information gleaned from these responses provides a snapshot of the current student population.

“Over time, our annual surveys will deliver a range of insights into the impact of the scholarship programme including where study has taken our recipients, what careers they are pursuing, and whether they have found employment,” Mitchell said.

“We want to understand how significant our support is for our scholars, and ultimately we would like to see that recipients have entered into a career that they have aspired to achieve.”

Above: Brendan Ariki Laurence (Taranaki/Te Ātiawa) PKW Alumni.

Scholarships range from $1500 for undergraduate studies to postgraduate awards of $7500 for up to three years.

Most respondents were females aged 20 to 25 years, had gained an Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree or a Masters qualification, and were completing a further qualification. Eight of the 2019 respondents have completed their studies and found employment.

Respondents who had found employment, including part-time or casual roles while still studying, were mostly working in the health or education sectors.

One concerning finding was that most students are carrying debt ranging from $0 to $49,000, with some owing more than $60,000.

“It is disheartening to see that our people need to accumulate a significant debt in order to access tertiary education with the hope of securing a financially rewarding job,” Mitchell said.

The survey shows that the most sought-after employment is in the health sector, and that most scholarship recipients are studying at Massey towards a health sector-related career.

When asked if they would consider returning to work in Taranaki if there were opportunities in their chosen field, most said they would.

In future years, a wider focus by Māori on STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) would be needed to meet industry and iwi development needs.

“Skills in these areas will support our rangatahi in the technical, commercial, financial and executive leadership careers that are likely to be in demand in the future,” says Mitchell.

“Another significant need is critical thinkers – graduates who are able to look into a kaupapa, analyse, provide considered and informed opinion, challenge the status quo where required, and contribute to governance and management.”

Strengths such as these are essential to excellent leadership whether at board level or in management.

Mitchell adds, “These skills would support the objective to increase the number of Māori employed by PKW. The number is currently at 55% and we’d like to grow that.”