Grace Motusaga's Remarkable Achievement
Grace Motusaga, a talented 17-year-old Pasifika student from West Auckland, has secured a life-changing Milford Foundation Scholarship to pursue her Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at the University of Canterbury (UC). Hailing from Kelston Girls’ College, Grace's journey from the bustling suburbs of Auckland to the engineering hubs of Christchurch exemplifies determination and cultural pride. With roots in Saleilua and Salani in Sāmoa, and childhood experiences spanning Sāmoa, Australia, and Fiji, Grace aspires to become a 'beaker of hope' in renewable energy, focusing on sustainable power solutions for Pacific communities to combat climate change.
As the eldest of four siblings, the scholarship alleviates significant financial pressure on her family, allowing her to concentrate on her studies. 'Without this scholarship, my parents would struggle. Some of the financial pressure is being lifted off their shoulders,' Grace shared. This award not only funds her undergraduate degree but also provides essential mentoring and career support, positioning her for success in a field where Pasifika representation remains low.
The Milford Foundation Scholarship: Empowering Future Leaders
The Milford Foundation Scholarship, launched in 2022, targets equity in New Zealand's tertiary education by supporting high-potential students facing barriers. Grace is one of 18 recipients in 2026, part of 55 students backed with over $550,000 in funding nationwide. Valued at $10,000 per year for the duration of her undergraduate studies, it includes tailored mentoring to guide her academic and professional path.
Lucy Doyle, General Manager of the Milford Foundation, emphasized, 'These students represent the next generation of contributors and leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand. They have the drive and the ability. What they need is the support to focus fully on their studies.' The programme has already seen its first five scholars graduate in 2026 from fields like international business and criminology, highlighting its impact.
Eligibility typically requires New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency, Year 13 enrollment or equivalent, and demonstration of financial need alongside academic promise. For more details, visit the Milford Foundation grants page.
University of Canterbury's Renowned Engineering Programme
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury offers a world-class Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) [BE(Hons)], New Zealand's only professional forestry degrees, and specializations in areas like mechanical, electrical, civil, and mechatronics engineering. The faculty boasts research excellence through centres like HIT Lab NZ for human-technology interaction, EPECentre for clean energy, and advanced labs for hands-on learning.
UC Engineering emphasizes practical experience, industry partnerships, and innovation, preparing students for diverse careers. With a focus on sustainability—aligning perfectly with Grace's renewable energy goals—the programme equips graduates to tackle real-world challenges like climate-resilient infrastructure vital for Pacific islands.
Targeted Scholarships for Pasifika Engineering Students at UC
UC actively supports Pasifika students through dedicated scholarships. The UC Engineering Pacific Scholarship offers $5,000, $3,000, or $1,000 for first-year high-achieving Pacific students entering BE(Hons). The Cotter Tait Scholarship for Māori and Pacific/Pasifika Engineering Students provides at least $4,000 plus mentoring for third-year students.
- UC Engineering Pacific Scholarship: Targets incoming Pacific first-years; selection based on academic merit and Pacific identity.
- Cotter Tait Scholarship: Financial aid and industry connections via Collective Success mentoring; closes 31 March.
- Mercury Scholarship in Engineering: $5,000 plus internship for second-year Pacific (or female/Māori) students in relevant fields; closes 15 March.
Check AcademicJobs scholarships for updates and applications. These initiatives complement national programmes like Toloa Scholarships for Pasifika STEM.
Challenges and Underrepresentation of Pasifika in NZ Engineering
Pasifika people comprise about 9% of New Zealand's population but only 5.3% of the engineering workforce as of 2018, per Hanga Aro Rau data. Women represent just 18% of Engineering New Zealand members, with Māori and Pasifika even more underrepresented. Low STEM participation stems from barriers like financial pressures, cultural mismatches, and lack of role models—issues Grace's story addresses head-on.
Recent data shows Pacific tertiary completion at 72% vs 86% for Pākehā, underscoring the need for targeted support. Engineering NZ highlights the profession's $18 billion annual economic value, yet diversity gaps hinder inclusive innovation.
UC's Comprehensive Support for Pasifika Students
The Pacific Development Team (PDT) at UC offers holistic support, including Pacific Advisors for pastoral care, free tutoring, PASS navigators for first-years, and The Fale as a cultural hub. Events like Pacific Welcome Day and Jandals foster community. Outreach to schools extends this commitment, making UC a welcoming space for Pasifika tauira.
For engineering students, these resources combined with scholarships create a pathway to success. Learn more via UC's Pacific students page.
Role Models Paving the Way for Pasifika Women in Engineering
Inspiring figures like Tahitian twins Dr. Hukerenui and Dr. Ohinerau Bonnet, who earned PhDs in engineering from the University of Auckland, demonstrate Pasifika excellence. 'There is a lack of representation for our people. This is an area where Pacific women can be the best and thrive,' they noted. Tongan engineer Mele ‘Ofa-Ki-Vila Mafi and others from SPIES programmes at UoA further highlight growing momentum.
Grace joins this legacy, aiming to boost representation in renewable energy—a critical field for Pacific nations facing rising seas and energy needs.
Broader Initiatives: Toloa and National STEM Efforts
The government-backed Toloa Scholarships fund Pasifika STEM students up to $10,000 for medicine/dentistry or $5,000 otherwise, with recent recipients pursuing engineering. Hanga Aro Rau advocates for Pacific workforce development in manufacturing and engineering, addressing skills shortages.
Explore higher ed career advice on AcademicJobs for tips on STEM paths.
Steps to Secure Engineering Scholarships as a Pasifika Student
Aspiring students can follow these steps:
- Research eligibility on UC's scholarship portal and national sites like Universities NZ.
- Gather academic transcripts, referee reports, and personal statements highlighting Pasifika identity and goals.
- Apply early—e.g., UC scholarships close March-August.
- Leverage PDT for guidance and networking.
- Prepare for interviews emphasizing community impact.
Internal resources like Rate My Professor can help choose courses.
Future Outlook: Transforming Pasifika Representation in Engineering
With scholarships like Milford and UC's initiatives, Pasifika engineers will drive sustainable solutions for Aotearoa and the Pacific. Grace's story signals a brighter future, potentially increasing workforce diversity to match population shares by 2030.
Job prospects abound in higher ed jobs and industry—renewable energy roles project 20% growth. Stakeholders call for expanded funding and mentorship to sustain momentum.
Conclusion: Seize Your Opportunity
Grace Motusaga's path from Kelston to Canterbury inspires Pasifika youth to pursue engineering. Visit scholarships, higher-ed-jobs, career advice, and university jobs on AcademicJobs.com. Share your story in comments below.
Read the full story on Pacific Media Network.
