Otago secondary school Te Reo Māori Award winner Taituha Fowler celebrating his achievements after the morning ceremony of Mana Pounamu.
A shared passion for te reo Māori has earned two Otago secondary students special recognition as they prepare for university.
Taituha Fowler (Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, Kāi Tahu) of Dunstan High School and Jorja Andrews (Ngāi Tahu) of South Otago High School have received the 2026 Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka – University of Otago Te Reo Māori Award.
Jorja Andrews
The pair was recognised as senior recipients of the 2026 Mana Pounamu Young Achievers’ Awards for their respective schools. As senior recipients, they each received a University of Otago Māori Entrance Scholarship and an Otago Polytechnic Scholarship covering full course fees.
During the ceremony, Taituha and Jorja were also presented with the University’s Te Reo Māori Award, given out annually to two tauira who demonstrate a strong commitment to te reo Māori. The award covers the cost of the paper fees for one Māori language paper taken through Te Tumu.
For Taituha Fowler, the scholarship is helping him pursue a long-held passion for caring for the environment.
“I was a bit shocked, but very happy,” he says.
Taituha plans to study Environmental Management and Māori Studies at Otago next year.
“I have a passion for protecting and taking care of the whenua.”
The decision to stay in Dunedin was an easy one.
“I like that it’s close to home. This is my tūrangawaewae, so it’s nice to be here.”
At Dunstan High School, Taituha helped establish and lead the Māori committee and says his whānau has been incredibly supportive of his achievements.
“They’re very proud.”
He hopes other rangatahi won’t let nerves stop them from putting themselves forward for opportunities.
“Don’t be afraid. Just get out there, even if you’re scared or embarrassed.”
Jorja, who is Deputy Head Girl at South Otago High School, plans to study at Otago with the goal of becoming a te reo Māori kaiako.
A respected student leader, Jorja has served as Deputy Head Girl, Cultural Prefect and Peer Support Leader, while representing her school at Ngā Manu Kōrero and contributing extensively to her community through kapa haka, Matariki celebrations and civic events.
Alongside her leadership, she has excelled in sport, representing Otago Māori and Otago Country in rugby while also earning recognition for her commitment to netball and the CACTUS youth development programme.
South Otago High School Deputy Principal Gemma Tuhega says Jorja’s willingness to support others has made a lasting impact on the school community.
“Jorja always puts her hand up to help with everything and anything. Her energy is contagious and she always has a smile on her face.
“She is kind and caring and a positive role model to her peers. She is proud to be Māori, and we know she will succeed in anything she puts her mind to.”
Jorja’s parents say her determination, compassion and strong values have shaped the young woman she has become.
“Our daughter is a dependable and compassionate young woman who consistently shows kindness and respect towards others.
“She leads with love and support. Her strong work ethic, caring nature, positive attitude and values support those around her.”
-Kōrero by Ani Ngawhika, Kaitohutohu Pāpāho Māori
Te Tumu
Our multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary staff, students, teaching and research is reflected in our name Te Tumu, a pan-Polynesian term which is often used in Māori in the phrase te tumu herenga waka – the post for tying up canoes.
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