Scholarships

Building our Pacific health leaders of tomorrow.

We’re committed to playing our part in building a thriving future of Pacific health researchers and academics.
We currently offer two doctoral-level scholarships to support the growth of Pacific health research excellence:

• Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa Scholarships
• University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship (UoADS)

Find out more about the scholarships and meet our 2023 scholarship recipients below.

Te Poutoko are delighted to have the following two successful recipients of The University Research Centre (URC) scholarships.

The scholarships will be awarded for up to 36 months of doctoral study and comprises an annual stipend of $33,000 in 2023 (with annual CPI adjustment) plus compulsory tuition fees. Both candidates’ research align with the focus area of the centre.

2023 Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa Scholarship Recipients

Dantzel Tiakia – Doctoral Candidate

Supervisors:  Professor Judith McCool and Sir Collin Tukuitonga

Dantzel is Māori and Niuean, with whakapapa roots to Ngāti Wai and Lakepa in Niue.

Her studies include a Certificate in Health Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences and a Masters of Arts in Pacific studies focused on Fifine Niue’s Understanding of Maternal Mental Well-being in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa NZ. She has now commenced her PhD journey on Exploring mental health and wellbeing among Fuata-Niue (Niuean Young People) in the diaspora (Niue and Aotearoa, New Zealand).

Dantzels upbringing, studies and work experience influenced her interests in Pasifika health, specifically in the community and mental health areas. She hopes to continue conducting research that provides practical improvements and solutions for our Pacific communities. And will continue to advocate for equitable health outcomes for our Pacific communities both here in Aotearoa and the Pacific region.Through my career in research, she hopes to also inspire other young Pacific people to be open to opportunities in the research field. I have been blessed to be part of some amazing projects because of the health/ research field I work in, and hope to pass on opportunities to our Pacific youth who are interested in serving our people through research too.

University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship (UoADS)

Te Poutoko are also proud to support one of the successful candidates of the University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship (UoADS).

Mayor Pokino – Doctoral Candidate (UoADS)

Supervisors: Professor Judith McCool and AP Chris Bullen

Mayor is proudly from the beautiful islands of Atiu, Aitutaki, Mangaia, Mitiaro, Rarotonga, Manihiki (Cook Islands) & Tahiti & France.

Her doctoral thesis will look at Investing in tobacco use among Cook Island adolescents living in the Cook Islands and in New Zealand: a comparative study. Mayor stated, there is very little research investigating the reasons why there is high tobacco use among Cook Island young people and how we can utilise social networks to spread tobacco cessation messages. She’s excited as this research will contribute to increasing knowledge on tobacco use among Cook Islands people and identify solutions to combat this health burden.

More Study and Training Opportunities

Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa are proud to support the initiatives of the Office of the Associate Dean Pacific to build and develop a flourishing Pacific health research and Pacific health workforce community.

Pacific Health Wayfinders
A recruitment initiative targeting Pacific secondary school students who want to pursue a career in medical and health sciences.

Knowledge Hub
An initiative partnering with Pasifika Futures and Pacific Medical Association providing training opportunities for our current Pacific Health workforce to upskill their skills and support them into further study.