Tongan scholars who will be studying in New Zealand and Fiji in 2019 under New Zealand scholarships were farewelled by the  New Zealand High Commissioner, HE Tiffany Babington on Friday 18 January 2019.

The High Commissioner congratulated the 32 Tongan scholars awarded tertiary scholarships to develop expertise in renewable energy, e-government and ICT, disaster risk management, public sector management, commerce and accounting, medicine, dentistry, and education leadership to assist in the economic and social development of Tonga.  

Nineteen scholars will study at New Zealand universities and 13 at the University of the South Pacific or Fiji National University. The scholarships are funded through the New Zealand Aid Programme.

The High Commissioner also launched the New Zealand-Tonga Alumni Association, and encouraged the 2019 scholars to join the NZTAA when they returned to Tonga. 

She said the New Zealand High Commission’s new Alumni Engagement Strategy would further strengthen lifelong relationships between individuals and organisations in Tonga and New Zealand.

“You are all the key element of our strategy and we intend to maintain contact with you because you are crucial to the success of our Alumni Association and we want to hear about your experiences and progress.”

Hon. Penisimani Fifita, Minister of Education, congratulated scholars and encouraged them in their studies with the hope that when they return, they will make a positive contribution to their families, communities and support the Tongan government.

The Minister also acknowledged the long-term relationship between the Governments of New Zealand and Tonga and New Zealand’s valuable contribution to Tonga’s education.

Returning scholar, Lisi-ki-Moana Tupou, who graduated with a Bachelor of Business in Human Resource Management from Auckland University of Technology, shared her personal experiences.

Dr Lia Maka, CEO of the Public Services Commission, remarked on the benefits of her New Zealand Short Term Training Scholarships work attachment, and now deep connection, with the New Zealand State Services Commission.

Dr Tu’ikolongahau Halafihi represented the University of Canterbury, Dr Mo’ale ‘Otunuku represented the University of the South Pacific, and Dr Paula Vivili represented the University of Otago at the event

The launch was attended by the Minister of Education Hon. Penisimani Fifita, Lord Vaea, New Zealand scholarships alumni, representatives from New Zealand and regional institutions, senior government officials, scholarship awardees and their families.