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A standout of our 150th anniversary celebrations was the launch of our Te Kakau a Māui scholarship and enrichment programme that provides access and support to students who might otherwise not have considered a university education.

Supported through the generous contribution of hundreds of donations large and small, these scholarships have empowered school-leavers from under-represented backgrounds to excel in their tertiary studies and contribute positively to their communities, both locally and globally.

The inaugural Te Kakau a Māui cohort, who completed their first year of tertiary education in 2023, has already surpassed expectations with higher completion rates and grade point averages compared to their peers. With your support, we have made a huge difference for young people who may not have attended university otherwise.

Throughout these pages, there are inspiring stories of collaboration between donors, UC staff, and students who have brought remarkable initiatives to life. Generous donations for Science are empowering early career researchers in Antarctic studies to make impactful contributions to the world. Seed funding for Dr Esala Vakamacawai’s PhD study led to the establishment of a new community garden initiative benefiting individuals with disabilities. And our Colombo Plan Scholarship alumni are fostering a rich legacy of giving that continues to support students from across the Asia-Pacific region.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our donors, whose generous support has profoundly impacted our university. Together, we are fostering a vibrant, innovative, and inclusive academic community that is shaping the leaders and thinkers of tomorrow.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment and support. We look forward to continuing this journey with you.

Professor Cheryl de la Rey

Tumu Whakarae | Vice-Chancellor