ORT Scholarship Programme

The Omapere Rangihamama Trust Scholarship Programme supports the educational, vocational, cultural, and leadership development of our registered shareholders and beneficiaries.

Our scholarship programme has been thoughtfully refreshed to reflect best practice, strengthen transparency, and create more pathways for our whānau to apply and succeed. We’ve expanded the categories to open the door to more applicants and ensure greater opportunity across our community.

Applications for the 2026 scholarship round open 1 March and close 30 April.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

  • Be a registered shareholder or beneficiary of Omapere Rangihamama Trust.
  • Provide your shareholder number and whakapapa information for verification.
  • Submit proof of identity (passport, driver licence, or birth certificate).
  • Provide evidence of enrolment or acceptance into your course, programme, apprenticeship, or wānanga (on official letterhead).
  • Provide confirmation of fees and verified NZ bank account details, including a bank‑stamped confirmation of your account number.
  • Complete the online application form in full, with all required documentation attached.

Previous scholarship recipients must also provide:

  • Evidence of course completion, progression, or continued enrolment

Applicants who did not complete their previous course or reporting obligations, without a valid explanation, may be declined.

Scholarship Categories (2026)

The Trust now supports a wider range of pathways, including:

Tertiary Study

  • Certificate (Level 3–4)
  • Diploma / Degree (Level 5–7)
  • Postgraduate (Level 8+)

Trades & Apprenticeships

Carpentry, electrical, plumbing, automotive, civil construction, and other recognised apprenticeships.

Agriculture Capability

Agriculture, dairy farming, horticulture, forestry, environmental management, and related fields.

Māori Excellence 

Māori governance, leadership, cultural capability development, short courses, and wānanga.

Assessment Process

Applications are assessed by the ORT Scholarship Subcommittee (two Trustees, GM, and Admin support). Recommendations are then presented to the full Board for approval.

Scholarships are awarded based on eligibility, completeness of documentation, alignment with the programme categories, and available funding.

Accountability Requirements

Successful recipients may be required to provide the following:

  • Submit a short end‑of‑year report outlining progress and achievements.
  • Provide a photo and success story for Trust communications/reporting.
  • Return funds if the intended course or programme is not pursued.
  • A one‑year stand‑down period applies for previous recipients.

How to Apply

We are excited to announce that the trust has now partnered with the Māori Education Trust (MET), and applications must now be submitted online using the Māori Education Trust digital platform.

Through this portal you must create an online user account, through the following link https://metscholarshipportal.tribal-ebs.com/.

Once an account has been created, please follow the MET online application form, to access our available scholarships.

You will need to complete a whakapapa verification form which you can find here – Whakapapa Template.

If you require any assistance, through the course of your application process, please contact the Māori Education Trust at info@maorieducation.org.nz.

The link to the online application form will be available on this page from 1 March 2026.

If you need assistance, contact the Trust Admin at kiaora@ort.co.nz.

Postal Address (for supporting documents if required)

Omapere Rangihamama Trust
PO Box 604
Kaikohe 0440