Scholarships Support Mihingare Studies

A series of scholarships supporting theologians in their academic journey is helping them put their knowledge into practice.

Through a partnership between Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi and Te Pīhopatanga o Te Tai Tokerau, 24 scholarships will be awarded to support tauira studying toward the Bachelor of Humanities, with a distinct focus on Mihingare Studies. 

This year, the first eight recipients of the scholarship graduated from the programme which is offered through Awanuiārangi and delivered in Te Tai Tokerau by Ōrongonui - Te Kura Mihingare.  

Awanuiārangi National Programme Coordinator, Dr Billie-Jo Pomare Rameka, explains the significance of delivering the programme in Te Tai Tokerau and its unique focus on Mihingare Studies. 

“Our programme is grounded in theology, Māori studies, Indigenous studies, and critical thinking. What makes this delivery unique is that it’s taught from a distinctly Māori and Mihingare perspective. 

“This approach ensures our tauira not only gain academic qualifications, but also deepen their understanding of whakapono, tikanga, and reo within the context of the Māori Anglican tradition. 

“It’s more than study; it’s about reclaiming identity, strengthening faith, and ensuring that mātauranga Mihingare continues to thrive across generations. 

“These scholarships further strengthen this vision. By reducing barriers to study, they enable more whānau to access higher education that reflects and affirms who they are as Māori and as people of faith.” 

Among the graduates and scholarship recipients is The Venerable Fran Hokianga, a third-generation Mihingare priest who reflects on her journey. 

“My ministry is part and parcel of my whānau life. I was tutoring Te Hāhi Mihingare at Ōrongonui before I fully dedicated myself to my academic journey. During that time, I was still growing the ministry as priest in charge, administering tangihanga, as well as other services and pastoral care. Things got really busy for a while. 

“I am grateful for that time because this programme helped me unpack some of the unpleasant experiences I had growing up, giving me a deeper understanding of colonisation and its assimilation. 

“Although many of us as ministers already have a wealth of knowledge about the history of the Church, this programme helped us put that knowledge into practice. It really broadened our horizons from a Māori perspective. 

“The scholarship helped lift some of the financial pressure, but more than that, it was an acknowledgment of the value of our mahi, that what we do as ministers, as servants of our people, matters. It gave me the space and the confidence to complete this journey knowing I was supported by my wider faith whānau.”