Teresia Teaiwa Memorial Postgraduate Scholarship in Pacific Studies

This scholarship is open to postgraduate students who are New Zealand citizens of Pacific Islands descent, permanent residents of Pacific Islands descent, or international students of Pacific Islands descent. Established in memory of Associate Professor Teresia Kieuea Teaiwa, Director of Va'aomanū Pasifika and renowned scholar, activist and poet who was part of the Victoria University of Wellington community from 2000 to 2017. Of Banaban, I-Kiribati and African American descent from Fiji, Teresia is internationally known for her ground-breaking work in Pacific Studies. She was instrumental in developing the world's first undergraduate major in Pacific Studies and served as Programme Director until 2009. The scholarship honors her legacy and fulfills her wish that scholarships be established to support Pacific students doing Pacific Studies. The scholarship covers the recipient's full fees, and any remaining funds are paid as a stipend in instalments. Recipients are expected to write a letter of thanks to Teresia's family, may meet with family members, and act as ambassadors for this scholarship.