Memorial scholarship helps landscape architect reach her potential

She applied for it in 2021 as a final year Bachelor of Landscape Architecture student after seeing it promoted on the university's social media channels.

"The scholarship helped immensely with achieving my potential," Hana said.

"It allowed me to immerse myself fully in my final year project that tackled the complex topic of the chronic overrepresentation of wāhine Māori in incarceration and recidivism rates.

"The project presented a reformed tikanga-based environment for Christchurch Women's Prison that centred around healing and rehabilitating wāhine Māori."

This has carried over into her work at the land and site development consultancy firm, Eliot Sinclair.

"I am now advising on the Te Mana Wāhine pathway for Ara Poutama Aoteroa | Department of Corrections. I have a keen interest in weaving te Ao Māori into the vernacular natural and built environments through my mahi."

Hana said she was privileged to be carrying on the legacy of "the great Ekara", the late former staff member who bequeathed the scholarship and was a highly influential figure at the university. 

"At the mention of his name, university staff recounted stories that narrated the humility, strength, and selflessness of Ekara, as someone that devoted much of his life to raising others up."

The scholarship was established last year to commemorate Ekara’s life and contribution to Māori community development and education.

Hana has Ngāpuhi and Te Rarawa whakapapa, and the scholarship’s purpose is to encourage a Māori student of academic calibre and leadership potential to continue tertiary study in a programme at Lincoln University after completing at least their first year.

"I chose to study at Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki | Lincoln University because of its positive reputation within the landscape architecture profession and being an accredited bachelor’s degree," she said. 

Applications for the Ekara James Lewis Memorial Scholarship close 31 March.

Apply here.