Liz Thomson, Principal of Auckland Girls'
Grammar School believes Kahuatairingi Waipouri is a worthy
candidate for the First Foundation Scholarship, mentioning that she
is an influential leader amongst her peers. As part of the Year 13
Committee and as one of five leaders of the Kahurangi, Thomson
states that 'Kahuatairingi is a sincere, charming, vibrant young
woman with a bubbly sense of humour and exceptional interpersonal
skills. It is to her credit that she can combine her commitment to
Kahurangi with her academic motivation and success. She is a
wonderful role model to the Kahurangi students and to the school in
general.' By 2009, Kahuatairingi had achieved NCEA Levels 1 and 2
endorsed with Merit. She received both the Year 11 Dean's award and
the award for Academic Excellence.
Kahuatairingi is involved in a number of extracurricular
activities including waka ama, the school choir, the school
production and indoor netball. She has held various leadership
positions including the Kapahaka group that competed at Polyfest
for which she has won the Female Leader award, Peer Support, the
Year 13 Committee and the Kahurangi group. Kahuatairingi was a
finalist in the Manu Korero speech competitions and completed her
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award. She also took part in the Spirit of
Adventure and was awarded the prestigious Amokura Award for the
individual who contributes the most in the success of the voyage.
Kahuatairingi has worked as a gardener to raise the funds to attend
her school's America trip and has also worked in the kumara
gardens, apple orchards and planting native plants.
Kahuatairingi is looking forward to studying at the University of
Auckland. Her interests lie in Commerce, specifically Economics and
Maori. She dreams of one day owning her own business, becoming
fluent in all areas of her culture and being an ambassador for New
Zealand culture around the world.
"Kahuatairingi is absolutely delightful. Clearly excited about the
opportunities this scholarship will open up for her, we believe she
will throw her heart and soul into achieving great things. She is
passionate about educating the world on Maori culture and has set
her sights high with her own ambitions. We are looking forward to
helping her on the way." - Hannah Carnaby, Employment Brand
Advisor