Meet South Waikato’s Tuia Scholarship Recipient for 2026

Mayor Gary Petley, alongside the team at South Waikato District Council, is pleased to introduce the 2026 recipient of the Tuia Programme Scholarship – Keira Riki-Pahewa (pictured).

Supporting the Tuia Programme for a second consecutive year, Mayor Petley says this rangatahi-led mentorship programme is an “awesome opportunity” for local young people to learn new skills and make more connections as they embark on their journey into adulthood.

“As the opportunities present themselves you’ve got to grab it,” he says. “Keira will get the most out of her time with SWDC as well, shadowing staff and attending meetings alongside myself. My hope is that Keira will leave her time here with us more empowered.”

“I want Keira to drive this. She’ll get out of it what she puts in, so she can become the best version of herself.” – Mayor Gary Petley

The Tuia Programme has been running for 15 years since 2011 and is administered throughout the region by Waikato Regional Council. Mayor Petley will be Keira’s primary mentor during this one-year progamme, which also consists of regular wānanga gatherings across the motū.

17-year-old Keira Riki-Pahewa has lived in Tokoroa her whole life and is “excited to see more of the world” and connect with new places and people.

“Tuia looks completely out of my comfort zone but I’m keen to give it a try. I’d like to meet different communities and expand my circles,” Keira says. An enthusiastic sports supporter and netball player, Keira has recently secured casual receptionist work at Raukawa and is keeping an open mind with her future career pathways.

Keira’s first wānanga will be held in Ōtorohanga later in March, followed by bi-monthly gatherings in Rotorua, Blenheim, Napier and Wellington. These workshops provide rangatahi the opportunity to network and meet like-minded peers, as well as lean into their kaupapa Māori practices and exchange stories from their community and as individuals.

Each wānanga provides a support programme to help empower rangatahi to become community leaders in their local spaces. The recipients are also offered an opportunity to contribute some hours towards a local community project or initiative of their choice.

“I’m used to being around young people and now I’m in this new adult world,” says Keira. “Going to Blenheim for the first time is exciting, I’m looking forward to doing some travel on my own.”

“I’m hoping to explore everything at the wānanga, meet new people and hear about what the other youth leaders are keen to do in their communities.” – Keira Riki-Pahewa

More information about the Tuia Programme can be found here:
https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/funding-and-scholarships/tuia-programme/