NMIT students receive almost $140k in scholarships
Prastuta Bhatta, right, was the recipient of the Fifeshire-Hancock Scholarship. Photo: Supplied.
Over $90,000 in scholarships were awarded at the annual NMIT Scholarship Ceremony in Nelson on Thursday, celebrating the outstanding achievements of local Nelson/Tasman ākonga (students) and the generous support of donors from across Te Tauihu. This is in addition to $47,000 being awarded earlier this month to students based in Marlborough.
The Nelson event brought together iwi partners, community organisations, industry leaders, NMIT staff, whānau, and scholarship recipients to honour the transformative power of education and collaboration.
Warmly welcomed guests and expressed her gratitude for the partnerships that make the scholarships possible.
“We’re fortunate to work with partners who recognise the lasting impact of investing in people,” says Olivia Hall, executive director of NMIT.
“These partners are doing more than funding education; they’re helping shape the future workforce — our next nurses, builders, counsellors, te reo experts, artists, beauty therapists, conservationists and leaders.
Scholarships were presented by a wide range of supporters including the eight iwi of Te Tauihu, Nelson Pasifika Trust, Nelson Soroptimist Education Trust, Beca, Nelson Pine Industries, New Zealand King Salmon, Mitre 10 Mega and Tasman Rugby Union, among others.
Among the recipients was Belinda Mintrom, who received an $8,000 Annie Currie Legacy Fund Scholarship to support her Bachelor of Nursing studies. Another standout award was the $10,000 Fifeshire-Hancock Scholarship, presented to Prastuta Bhatta, also studying nursing.
Second year Bachelor of Counselling student, Holly Irvine, who was the recipient of the Ngāti Kuia Scholarship, says receiving the scholarship means more than just financial support.
“It’s a taonga. It represents trust, investment, and belief in my potential from my iwi. It acknowledges where I come from, who I belong to, and where I am going for the future.”
“This scholarship means a great deal to me and my family,” says Jericho Lobarbio, first year NZ Diploma Civil Engineering student, and recipient of the Beca Civil Engineering Diploma Scholarship. “It reinforces that I’m on the right path as I return to study and rebuild my career in New Zealand. Beyond the financial support, it also provides emotional encouragement and boosts my confidence as I re-enter the engineering field.”