2018 New Zealand Trade & Enterprise

Our 2023 Trustee Award winner, Jaxson Tautala-Hanita, NZTE scholar, exemplifies the astounding potential we can help unlock by giving the right support. Jaxson is the first in his family to attend university and gain a degree. He brought dogged determination on his journey from a single-income home in Taita to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Sciences at Otago University.

School: Taita College

Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Management and Politics

University: University of Otago

2009 Spark New Zealand

Tuputau Lalaulu was born in a family of 12 in South Auckland. Now his architecture is shaping the way communities of colour are housed – from New York to the Philippines and Chile. He’s one of the youngest Polynesian architects to use his skills to bring positive change to indigenous people in need.

School: De La Salle College

Degree: BAS Bachelor of Architectural Studies

University: UNITEC

2012 Coca-Cola Amatil NZ Ltd

Lafoai had always aspired to serve people in need, those facing extreme hardship. She’s been able to do just that as an Intermediate Solicitor at the NZ Abuse in Care Inquiry. And this is only one of the many contributions she’s made.

School: One Tree Hill College

Degree: BA/LLB Majoring in sociology

University: University of Auckland

2010 NZI

Bernadette grew up in South Auckland working hard for her family and community. Today, she has brought her first home in the capital and smashed stereotypes as a Pasifika woman engineer. “I am forever grateful to NZI and First Foundation for the springboard into my career and corporate experience."

School: McAuley High School

Degree: B Eng (Hons.) Bachelor of Electrical & Electronic Engineering 2016

University: University of Auckland

2000 ION Limited

Today, Roseanne is a qualified Biomedical engineer and General Manager of Quality Systems at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. She believes early exposure to role models and the professionals that First Foundation provided was instrumental in her success.

School: McAuley High School

Degree: Bachelor of Engineering/Bioengineering

University: University of Auckland

2016 Fonterra Co-operative Group

When Joel Hall was in high school, he didn’t immediately know what career was right for him. But through paid work experience with his scholarship partner Fonterra, he discovered what he wanted to focus on.

School: Fraser High School

Degree: Bachelor of Management Studies (Hons First Class - Strategic Management And Human Resource Management)

University: University of Waikato

2021 NZ Community Trust

At our Mahi that Matters Awards evening, Matariki Owen Turuwhenua, NZCT Scholar 2022, received our Korowai on behalf of this year’s new awardees. His beautifully delivered words captured the sentiment of this impressive new cohort of scholars.

School: Tarawera High School

Degree: Bachelor of Arts (Political Science, Te Reo Māori and Māori Studies)

University: Victoria University of Wellington

2016 Rutherford Rede

Maria is a Policy Advisor in Building Policy at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, working on occupational regulation reforms in the construction sector. She says, “Thank you, First Foundation: you helped me bridge the gap from college to university, supporting my dreams and aspirations." She is particularly grateful to her mentor, Carol Fraser, who inspired Maria herself to help other young Pasifika women navigate their careers. She's now sharing the impact of her success with the next generation!

School: Tamaki College

Degree: Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences)

University: Auckland University of Technology