Young people who demonstrate leadership potential at one of six Maori boarding schools will have the opportunity to apply for a new scholarship.
The Puawaitanga scholarship will provide financial assistance to cover the boarding and school fees of a student at Hato Paora College, Hato Petera College, Hukarere Girls College, St Joseph's Maori Girls College, Te Aute College or Turakina Maori Girls College.
Scholarship recipients will also receive $1500 a year towards costs associated with developing leadership talent.
There will be 90 scholarships in total, with the first available for the 2014 school year.
The Associate Minister for Education, Dr Pita Sharples, says the scholarships will help parents meet the costs of schooling, which have been out of reach for some.