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Information management services provider TEAM IM NZ has sponsored two new undergraduate scholarships for Māori school leavers who wish to study STEM-related subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
The company is New Zealand-owned and operated and has been delivering long-term sustainable IT business solutions for more than 20 years. The TEAM IM NZ Scholarship for Māori students (School Leavers) is worth $8,000 per year and includes a paid internship.
The first recipients Jade Cowley and Quincy Gillies-Walters are both from rural areas and made the exciting and challenging move to Wellington for their first year of study in 2024. They spent the summer break at TEAM IM NZ’s Wellington offices, where they gained valuable first-hand experience across various aspects of the tech industry, including audit processes and developing apps and websites.
Jade says, “Beyond technical skills, the internship provided a broad perspective on different career paths. Engaging with professionals in various roles, attending events, and directly interacting with customers enriched my understanding of the industry. The flexibility of the programme allowed me to explore areas of interest, making the experience both educational and insightful.”
Jade, who is studying Computer Science, says that living in Wellington presents her with opportunities for networking that are essential for her career aspirations.
“I am proud to be one of the few wāhine Māori in my field. This scholarship represents more than financial aid; it is a testament to the potential for Māori students in STEM fields. Connecting with my Māori heritage has been a vital part of my journey, and I am committed to bringing the values and perspectives of my culture into my academic and professional life.”
Quincy is studying for a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours, majoring in Software Engineering, following a childhood fascination with computers and how systems worked.
“As I got older, my mum encouraged me to explore the IT industry, highlighting how well it aligned with my interests and skills. By the time I was 13 years old, I had already decided to pursue software engineering—and I haven’t looked back since.”
The financial stress involved in moving to Wellington meant Quincy was initially unsure whether he would be able to pursue this dream. Receiving the scholarship was a massive relief for Quincy and his whānau and smoothed his transition to university study.
“Being the first in my whānau to attend university is something I’m really proud of. It’s given me the opportunity to be a role model for my younger siblings and cousins.”
Quincy feels strongly that there aren’t enough Māori people pursuing higher education, especially in the IT industry.
“Many people in my extended family left high school early, and it’s always weighed on me because I knew they were more than capable of succeeding in education. I want to show them that university is within their reach and that they’re capable of achieving it too.”
While Quincy missed his family, he had a fantastic experience living in Joan Stevens Hall where he made lifelong friends and got familiar with the city.
“I love how compact and easy to navigate Wellington is. The city isn’t too big, which makes it much easier to adapt to, especially coming from a small town.”
Ian Rogers, Managing Director of TEAM IM says: "If New Zealand is to remain productive, it must harness talent from across the entire population.
"We see this scholarship programme as a way to encourage young Māori to pursue careers they might not have otherwise considered by providing financial assistance. Many of our scholarship recipients may be the first in their family to attend tertiary education, becoming role models within their whānau.
“For TEAM IM and the technology sector, this means employing more New Zealanders, increasing our diversity of talent, and helping to boost New Zealand’s IT sector—ultimately enhancing the country's productivity."
Citation
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. (2025, April 8). Rural Māori students fulfil their dream of studying technology. https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/news/2025/04/rural-maori-students-fulfil-their-dream-of-studying-technology