More than NZD $1 million in new funding is available to support more Māori and Pasifika young people into engineering and technology careers. The Mātātā Initiative, part of the Engineering New Zealand Foundation, is seeking expressions of interest for programmes that help young people pursue four-year engineering or technology degrees.
The foundation stated that the funding round will cover 2027–2029, with a total fund of up to $350,000 available each year.
Engineering New Zealand Foundation Chair, Glen Cornelius FEngNZ CPEng IntPE(NZ) says increasing Māori and Pasifika representation is critical to building a profession that reflects Aotearoa New Zealand.
“Our profession is stronger when it reflects the full diversity of the people it serves. The Mātātā Initiative is about breaking down barriers and creating meaningful pathways for more Māori and Pasifika young people to succeed in engineering careers.”
Auckland University first-year engineering student Moses Etana says receiving a Mātātā Initiative scholarship has eased the financial pressure of study and helped him discover his passion for environmental and chemical engineering.
“I want to champion sustainability in New Zealand,” says Etana.
“And find new ways to keep the country clean.”
Funded programmes must include scholarships or study awards of up to $5,000 for rangatahi (young people) entering qualifying engineering degrees. The Mātātā Initiative aims to support at least 20 scholarships annually — with a goal of reaching more than 30 each year by 2028.
Programmes will ideally be co-developed and co-delivered with Māori or Pasifika organisations and communities, while providing both cultural and academic support for participants.
Previous funding has supported organisations including Pūhoro STEMM Academy, Great South, and Amanaki STEM Academy to deliver scholarships, outreach initiatives and pathways for aspiring Māori and Pasifika engineers.
The expressions of interest for the 2027–2029 funding round close on 30 June 2026.
Organisations interested in applying can learn more at Mātātā Initiative | Engineering New Zealand, or contact the Foundation team at foundation [at] engineeringnz [dot] org
The Engineering New Zealand Foundation, established in 2002, supports current and future engineers through initiatives focused on career development and wellbeing. While complementary to Engineering New Zealand, it operates independently under a Trust Board.
Meanwhile, the Mātātā Initiative, launched in 2023 with funding from Professors Dick and Mary Earle, aims to increase the number of Māori and Pasifika students undertaking four-year engineering or technology degrees and progressing into professional careers.
