Applications for the BDO Sir Henare Ngata Scholarship for Māori accounting students are currently open and will be closing on Sunday 31 March 2024.
Our scholarship is for accounting students who are in their final or penultimate year of tertiary study at a recognised New Zealand institute.
Sir Henare Ngata is noted as being the first Māori chartered accountant. He paved the way for all Māori accountants that would follow, a trailblazer who epitomised hard work and dedication to the wellbeing of Māori, using accounting as a tool for advocacy. After returning from serving in the 28th Māori Battalion during World War II, he moved away from home to gain his qualification. Upon completion he returned home and made the bold move setting up his own practice in Gisborne. In later years this was sold, and over time, eventually became the BDO Gisborne practice.
Sir Henare Ngata worked tirelessly serving the needs of Māori, following in his father's footsteps. His father, Sir Apirana Ngata, is widely known as being the first Māori to obtain a university degree, as well as for his contribution to politics and his work in protecting Māori culture, language and Māori wellbeing.
In honour of Sir Henare Ngata, we're providing national scholarships to three talented Māori students in their pursuit to become accountants, while in their final or penultimate year of study.
Māori are significantly under-represented in the accounting profession, making up around 2% of accountants in Aotearoa – despite representing 16.5% of our national population (2018 census). Scholarships and internships will further accounting careers for successful applicants and hopefully increase the number of Māori who choose a career in accounting, empowering them to become future leaders and shaping the direction of the Māori business sector.
“Te manu e kai ana I te miro, nōna te ngahere; te manu e kai nana I te mātauranga nōna te ao”
“The bird that feeds on the miro berry, theirs is the forest; the bird that feeds on knowledge, theirs is the world”
Find out more about the BDO New Zealand graduate programme for 2024 here.
We are looking for people who are passionate about following a career in accounting and aspire to succeed.
To be successful, you will need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
Other criteria that is not essential, but will help you stand out:
Please detail your involvement in any of the above in your cover note when you apply.
We want to make the process as simple and enjoyable as possible so here are some hints and tips to help you on your journey.
Applications for our 2024 scholarships are now open - apply here, or contact us for more information. Applications close on Sunday 31 March 2024.
Read more about the recipients of the 2022 BDO Sir Henare Ngata Scholarship for Māori accountants! Each recipient has written a blog article to share their stories and encourage others to follow in their footsteps.