2degrees awards first Hei Rere Mai Scholarships

Eight talented young Maori students have today become the first recipients of 2degrees’ Hei Rere Mai scholarship programme.

The scholarship, was launched last year by 2degrees and its founding shareholder, the Hautaki Trust, aims to increase Maori participation in the telecommunications industry.

The scholarship, which is one of three key initiatives under the Hei Rere Mai programme, is open to Maori students studying towards ICT qualifications at the University of Auckland.

2degrees Chief Executive Eric Hertz says today is an important step forward for the programme.

“We’re very excited about this initiative as not only are we able to give these talented young people a helping hand to learn and excel in their chosen career paths, but we’re also hoping their progress will inspire other young Maori to work in our industry as well.

“The telecommunications sector is changing rapidly and our continued success hinges on attracting great people to our business. Thanks to our founding shareholder, the Hautaki Trust, this initiative is providing young Maori with a real chance to be a part of an exciting industry and, more importantly, part of our journey within it.”

The recipients of the inaugural 2012 scholarship include Grace Ngapo, David Pene, L’Rey Renata, Jamie Pye, Leon Hayward, Xien Rare-Lee, Julius Bennett and Frederick Blucher.

The scholarships, which ranged this year from $500 to $5,000, were awarded to the students at a low key event today.

Mr Hertz says the scholarship winners will act as role models in Accelerating Aotearoa’s Talent Programme, visiting Auckland schools to inspire younger Maori students. They will also have the opportunity to undertake internships with 2degrees while studying as part of the wider Hei Rere Mai initiative. 

“We pride ourselves on our award winning customer service and, through our structured careers programme, young Maori candidates will get the chance to experience first-hand just how we value our customers and are focussed on delivering great customer care,” says Mr Hertz. Under the programme, those who are customer focused then learn about the business and the technology will then get the opportunity to study on-the-job towards further ICT qualifications. They may also be offered roles in the IT and Networks teams, where they will work with the latest mobile technology and systems.