Renowned military historian Dr Monty Soutar. Photo: supplied
Renowned World War I historian Dr Monty Soutar is among the winners of the 2024 Ngarimu scholarships.
The recipients of the Ngarimu VC and 28th Māori Battalion Scholarships were announced on Friday at a ceremony at C Company Memorial House in Tai Rāwhiti / Gisborne.
The scholarships recognise Māori studying at tertiary institutions who demonstrate characteristics that align with the values of the 28th Māori Battalion.
The prestigious Manakura Award was awarded to Dr Soutar, who dedicated 15 years to documenting the history of the 28th Māori Battalion. Among his works is Nga Tamatoa: The Price of Citizenship. C Company 28 (Maori) Battalion 1939-1945, an account of C Company's role in the Second World War.
"It's a true honour to be nominated for this award, and I feel it is fitting to receive it at C Company Memorial House given the focus of my earlier work," he said.
Among Soutar's books is "Whitiki Whiti Whiti E! Māori in the First World War". Photo:
The scholarships are designed to inspire, reward and support Māori achievement and success in education, and the award ceremony was an opportunity for whānau to celebrate the recipients.
The ceremony was attended by MPs, along with Willie Apiata VC, and Tā [Sir Robert Gillies - the last surviving member of the battalion].
The scholarship recipients are:
Undergraduate Scholarship:
- Maraea Coleman (Ngāti Porou)
- Te Atamihi Papa (Ngāti Korokī kahukura, Waikato Maniapoto)
- Pounamu Wharehinga (Ngāti Porou, Tūhoe)
- Heremia McGarvey (Tūhoe)
Masters Scholarship:
- Miria Haora (Ngati Pūkenga, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Whātua)
- Ashton Thrupp (Tūhoe, Te Aitanga-ā-Māhaki, Ngā Ariki Kaiputahi)
- Jade Davis (Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Ngāi Tai, Te Whakatōhea)
- Melba Pakinga (Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Hako, Ngāti Korokoro)
Doctoral Scholarship:
- Aramoana Mohi-Maxwell (Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Tarāwhai, Ngāti Whakaue, Tapuika, Ngāti Parekāwa, Ngāi te rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Ruanui)
Vocational Education and Training Scholarship:
- Te Hiiri Ponga (Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi, Tūwharetoa, Te Whakatōhea, Ngāti Tumango, Ngāti Apa)
- Te Atawhai Kaa (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Pōrou)
Video award:
- Hinemaiaia Pitiroi (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāpuhi)
- Ngaawaimarino Simpkins (Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Tuhourangi, Ngāti Wahiao, Ngāpuhi)
Manakura award:
- Dr Monty Soutar ONZM (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Kahungunu)