We are delighted to introduce you to our fourth cohort of Milford Foundation Scholarship students who began their studies in February 2026.
Alexi Moana Lassey
Mount Maunganui College
Bachelor of Commerce, University of Otago
Growing up in Whangārei and later relocating to Mount Maunganui, Alexi Moana Lassey has learned early what it means to adapt, grow, and stay deeply connected to the people who matter most.
“Moving away from home was a big change and it took a while to adjust, but I have now settled in well,” she says. Though she now lives with her aunty and uncle, her ties to Whangārei remain strong, and she travels back regularly to spend time with family – especially her sister, whom she has “always looked up to”.
Life at the Mount suits her well. Whether she’s walking her dog along the boardwalk, heading up Mauao, or spending time at the beach, she embraces the balance of nature, movement, work, and friendships that shape her everyday life.
Receiving the Milford Scholarship was a powerful moment for her – both emotionally and academically. She remembers feeling “a huge sense of relief and pride”, recognising the achievement as validation of her hard work and potential. What stands out most, though, is the support network behind it. Knowing she has guidance “both mentally and academically” gives her confidence as she steps into university life.
Driven, warm, and people oriented, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Human Resource Management, a field that aligns with her love of working with others. She hopes to one day “help create strong, healthy workplaces” or even build a business of her own.
Resilient and grounded, she carries forward not only her goals, but the inspiration of her mum and sister – two guiding forces who shape the person she is becoming.
Amelie Sutherland-Harris
Dunstan High School
Bachelor of Engineering, University of Canterbury
Growing up in the small towns of Clyde and Alexandra, Amelie Sutherland-Harris learned to find joy in the outdoors – tramping local tracks, swimming in lakes and rivers, and exploring the landscapes that shaped her love for nature. “Living in small towns with beautiful scenery led me to have a passion for our environment and getting outdoors,” she says. Her curiosity extended inward too, through books that sparked her interest in science, physics, chemistry, and the way the world works. Creativity remains a constant thread, from crafting gifts to painting landscapes reflective of home.
Her family unit is small but close. “Family to me is really just my mum, my little brother, and our two cats.” Together, they have navigated loss and challenges, and their resilience has carried her toward her goals. When she learned she’d been awarded the Milford Foundation Scholarship, the moment felt transformative. “When I got called about my success, it was like being told I had been accepted into my dream job,” she recalls. For the first time, university felt possible.
Beyond easing financial pressure, the scholarship has given her confidence and guidance. “The mentorship program will be extremely valuable to me,” she shares, especially as the first in her immediate family to enter university. Engineering has become her pathway – a way to combine her love of science with her commitment to sustainability and Aotearoa’s natural environment.
Amelie hopes to create renewable solutions that safeguard the future, and just as importantly, to inspire others who doubt their own potential. Though “scared of the unknown,” she is equally excited to step into it – ready, curious, and determined.
Bella Ngawhika
Te Puke High School
Bachelor of Environmental Planning, University of Waikato
Bella Ngawhika is a proud rangatahi Māori from the iwi Ngāti Whakahemo, Ngāti Awa and Ngāti Kahungunu ki.
Raised in a small rural community, Bella spent most of her life on dairy farms alongside her parents and two younger brothers, an upbringing that shaped her strong work ethic, resilience, and deep connection to the whenua.
A passionate advocate for Kaupapa Māori and the environment, Bella describes herself as someone who feels most grounded in nature, sharing that “being out in the wetlands or on the beach is where I am most at peace.” Her love for netball – whether coaching, umpiring, or playing – reflects her dedication to teamwork, leadership, and community.
Bella’s commitment to uplifting rangatahi is central to who she is. As a Co Director of Gen Z Aotearoa, she works to empower young people across the motu, helping them realise that they can be “the unapologetic voice and generation of change.”
Receiving this scholarship was a transformative moment. Bella recalls being in “absolute shock,” believing her interview hadn’t gone well. The news made university feel real and achievable, lifting a weight and giving her the confidence that she “truly deserves to be in these spaces.”
Now studying Environmental Planning, Bella’s long term vision is to inspire more Rangatahi Māori into tertiary pathways and careers where they can thrive as leaders, thinkers, and innovators. Her journey embodies courage, purpose, and the determination to pave the way for future generations.
Caileigh Poipoi
Thames High School
Bachelor of Sport and Human Performance, University of Waikato
Born in Rotorua and raised as the youngest of four, Caileigh Poipoi has been shaped by movement, growth, and a deep love of sport. After relocating to Thames at age eight, she discovered a passion that would soon define her high school years. She recalls that during this time she “grew a major interest in competitive sports,” eventually committing to rugby, netball and touch by her senior year. This lifelong connection to athletics naturally led her to pursue a degree in Sport and Human Performance at the University of Waikato.
Receiving the Milford Scholarship was a turning point. Coming from an underprivileged background, she explains that tertiary study had always been a financial concern, and that she felt “incredibly grateful when I found out I was a recipient of the Milford scholarship.” More than financial relief, the scholarship has eased her transition into university life, particularly as “someone who struggles with anxiety,” giving her space to focus on her goals both academically and as an athlete.
On a personal level, she admires the Foundation’s compassion and commitment, noting that the team “show a lot of empathy towards students,” something she finds deeply meaningful.
Driven by a love of sport and a desire to uplift others, her dream is to build a career in professional sport while championing greater equity for young female athletes in New Zealand. With strong ties to her community, she hopes to one day return to Thames Valley and give back to the region that shaped her.
Chloe Murray
Mount Aspiring College
Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws
Growing up in Wānaka, Chloe Murray was shaped by the warmth and support of her close-knit hometown. She describes her upbringing simply and fondly: “I have lived in Wānaka my whole life, growing up with my sister, spoodle, and a close group of friends.” This strong sense of community has inspired much of her volunteer work, from supporting young people with intellectual challenges through MINT to preparing meals for locals in need with Food for Love. Volunteering, she says, “always puts things into perspective for me and provides a great sense of fulfilment”.
Surrounded by the outdoors, Chloe finds clarity and energy in nature, whether she’s running by the lake, biking, or tramping in the hills. This love for her environment sits alongside a deep curiosity about how society works, which ultimately led her to pursue a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Economics at the University of Canterbury. She hopes to one day become an economist who can “report on the impacts of economic and political changes on society.”
Receiving the Milford Scholarship was both surprising and affirming for her. “When I first found out that I had received the Milford scholarship, I was really shocked,” she admits, noting that the support has strengthened her confidence and eased the transition to university life.
Driven, grounded, and community minded, Chloe describes herself as “a bubbly and inquisitive people person who thrives on setting and achieving goals”. Her dream is to make a meaningful difference by bringing people together, reducing inequality, and staying true to who she is.
Chloe Paynter
Thames High School
Bachelor of Biomedical Waikato
Chloe Paynter is looking forward to studying Biomedical Sciences.
A talented sportswoman, Chloe was awarded her high school’s Junior Girls Basketball Trophy for most improved junior girl. She also loves badminton, netball and touch rugby, and has volunteered as an umpire for a young netball team. “It was my way of showing appreciation to the sport, and it makes me proud knowing there’s younger girls with the same passion as me who have so much potential.”
Her desire to support those coming up behind her comes from the support she herself received from her mother, nana and aunt. “They have always pushed me to reach my full potential,” she says. “Receiving the Milford Foundation Scholarship is a way of thanking them for all they done for me throughout my life. Not only am I making my own dreams come true, I’m making theirs come true too.”
Elisabeth Cox
Papanui High School
Bachelor of Health Science, University of Otago
With aspirations of completing a medical degree, Elisabeth Cox will enjoy her first year at university studying Health Sciences. “The goal is to move into a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery,” she says. “My dream job would blend clinical work with medical research. I was to stay connected to patients and the real day-to-day difference healthcare professionals can make in people’s lives, while also contributing to the advancement of medical science. Those two sides of medicine go hand-in-hand.”
Elisabeth describes herself as a reliable person. “If I commit to a task, I follow through – whether its school work, leadership, or the many music and other extracurricular commitments I’ve taken on. I take deadlines seriously!”
Inspired by the people around her – friends, teachers, mother and grandmother – Elisabeth also draws inspiration from literature. “Stories that explore human experiences and ethical dilemmas encourage me to think deeply and creatively,” she says. “All these influences motivate me to approach challenges with thoughtfulness, resilience and care.”
She’s excited about university, and grateful for the opportunity her Milford Foundation Scholarship provides. “It gives me the freedom to fully throw myself into my studies, and concentrate on the things I care about – from medicine to music. Knowing there’s support, not just financially, but also through resources and guidance if I need it, makes university feel far more accessible. I can make the most of the opportunities ahead, rather than just trying to get through.”
Faith Anderson
Mount Maunganui College
Bachelor of Social Science, University of Waikato
Born in Auckland and raised in Tauranga, Faith Anderson grew up in a small but tight family unit. As she puts it, “My family has always just been my mum and me and other close family friends around us.”
Losing her mum two years ago was life changing, but she remains grounded by the support of those around her and the resilience she’s built through challenge. Despite navigating a lot at a young age, she has continued to pursue the things that bring her joy and spark her curiosity – creative hobbies like sewing, cross stitch, painting, and reading, as well as her long held love of cricket, a sport she played from the age of five.
She also has a deep fascination with crime, investigation, and mystery, saying she loves “any sort of murder mystery games, books, movies and documentaries.” This lifelong interest ultimately inspired her academic path and her dream of becoming a criminal investigator.
Receiving the Milford Scholarship transformed her future. She shares openly that she hadn’t planned to attend university because of financial barriers, explaining that the scholarship lifted “the added stress of money” and made study possible. For her, the support she’s received is deeply personal. “Thank you’ doesn’t even cover it,” she says.
Studying at the University of Waikato allows her to stay close to home while gaining the skills she needs for her chosen career. Above all, she hopes to make a difference by reminding others to show compassion, recognising that “this is all our first time living”. Confident, bold, and determined, she jokes: “My personality is too big to fit into one sentence! LOL.”
Grace Motusaga
Kelston Girls’ College
Bachelor of Engineering, University of Canterbury
At just 17, Grace Motusaga carries herself with a calm confidence shaped by her upbringing across Samoa, Australia, and Fiji. The eldest of four children, she speaks proudly of her roots in Saleilua and Salani, and of the family who has guided her path. “Talofa lava, my name is Grace,” she shares, grounding herself first in identity. Creative at heart, she loves crafting and losing herself in books, but she is equally driven by a powerful ambition: to represent her Pasifika heritage while contributing to the future of renewable energy.
When Grace learned she had received a Milford Foundation Scholarship, she felt a wave of reassurance. “It gave me some sense of security that I will be supported through my years of tertiary studies,” she explains. The excitement extended beyond her – her family, too, felt relief knowing that “some of the financial pressure is being lifted off their shoulders.” Coming from a low income family, the scholarship means more than financial support; it offers possibility. “Without this scholarship, my parents would struggle,” she says openly, acknowledging the stability it has brought them.
Grace plans to pursue a degree that allows her to “use my hands,” ultimately dreaming of working with power grids and sustainable energy solutions. Climate responsibility is at the core of her motivation — she hopes to “find alternative ways to effectively use electricity and power sources” to slow the effects of climate change.
Grounded in faith, guided by her mother’s sacrifices, and fuelled by determination, Grace describes herself simply and beautifully: “I aspire to be a beaker of hope.”
Isaiah Chin-Nyika
Mount Aspiring College
Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts
Isaiah Chin-Nyika is a dedicated and community minded young leader whose journey from Greymouth to Wānaka has shaped his values, resilience, and aspirations.
“The only boy, with two older sisters and one younger,” Isaiah was deeply influenced by his family and particularly by his mother, whom he describes as “a rock, carrying the weight of the household” during his father’s health challenges. Sport has played a central role in his life, with football and basketball becoming spaces where he developed confidence, discipline, and strong peer connections.
Receiving a Milford Foundation Scholarship was a defining moment. Isaiah recalls feeling “extremely grateful and excited,” viewing the award as recognition of years of hard work. Beyond financial support, he values the mentorship and care from the Foundation, which gives him “confidence and stability as I begin my studies.”
Isaiah is now pursuing a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts at the University of Otago, driven by a desire to address inequities within the legal system. He hopes to work in roles where he can uplift communities that are “often overlooked and marginalised,” using his skills to make legal support more accessible.
At his core, Isaiah describes himself as “a driven, dedicated and compassionate person,” and his greatest strength – his unwavering work ethic – continues to propel him toward his goals. With a commitment to service and a deep sense of purpose, Isaiah is determined to create meaningful, lasting change for future generations.
Kavaniufanga Finau
Southern Cross Campus
Bachelor of Laws, University
Kava Finau is a family oriented young leader, bringing resilience, gratitude, and ambition to her academic journey. Born in Tonga and raised alongside her older brother and three younger sisters, Kava grew up watching her parents work tirelessly between Australia and New Zealand to provide a better life for their family. Moving to New Zealand in 2018 and learning English as her second language, she has carried those experiences into her aspirations, shaping a deep sense of purpose and determination.
Kava is studying a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Auckland, driven by a desire to understand the legal systems that shape society and influence the lives of Pacific and migrant families. Her dream is to work in the legal field -whether as a lawyer or in advocacy. “I want to help people who feel unheard our unsupported when navigating complex processes,” she says. She hopes to use her future career to protect people’s rights, offer guidance, and create fairer pathways for her community.
Receiving the Milford Foundation Scholarship was an emotional and transformative moment for Kava and her family. The financial relief lifted a significant burden, but more importantly, the scholarship gave her confidence, motivation, and a sense of being truly supported. To her, the Foundation represents hope and a belief in her potential.
Determined, hardworking, and inspired by the sacrifices of her parents, Kava is ready to begin university with enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose—committed to making a meaningful difference, one family at a time.
Leilani Betham
Bishop Viard College
Bachelor of Commerce, University of Otago
Raised in Porirua, with formative chapters in Melbourne, Leilani Betham carries with her a blend of cultures, communities, and experiences that have shaped both her confidence and her compassion. The eldest of three sisters – and a twin – she grew up in a household where encouragement was constant and potential was nurtured. Surrounded by music, performance, and the creative energy of Polyfest stages, choir rehearsals, and band competitions, she found her rhythm early. Yet she also treasures the quieter side of life: “I value quieter moments spent reading and playing netball,” she says, describing the balance that keeps her grounded.
When she received the Milford Foundation Scholarship, the moment landed with deep meaning. “It was reassuring to know that the financial burden on my parents would be eased,” she explains. But even more powerful was the affirmation: “It felt deeply affirming to feel that others believed in my potential.” That belief has strengthened her sense of purpose as she steps into university life with clarity and confidence.
The scholarship has influenced more than her finances — it has shaped her outlook. “It has encouraged me to think more intentionally about my goals, leadership, and the impact I want to have,” she shares. Workshops, mentors, and a community of driven peers have expanded her horizons and solidified her desire to uplift others.
Guided by her passion for innovation and entrepreneurship, she hopes to create spaces where young Māori and Pasifika founders can thrive, take risks, and be seen. She admits she doesn’t yet know the full scale of the difference she’ll make, but she knows where it begins: “I know it starts with lifting up my own community.”
Lily Carr
Wainuiomata High School
Bachelor of Social Work, University of Otago
Lily Carr is a determined and compassionate young woman. Growing up between her mum’s and nana’s homes, Lily credits these influential women with shaping her early years and instilling in her a deep commitment to helping others. As she explains, “I grew up in Wainuiomata and spent my childhood between my mum’s and my nana’s homes, both of whom played a significant role in my childhood.”
Her decision to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work is rooted in her lived experience. With her mother battling stage four cancer, Lily often stepped into a caregiving role for her siblings. This challenging environment provided her with maturity, empathy and drive. “I chose social work because of my own experiences growing up… I learned to take responsibility, stay organized, and face difficulties with determination,” she says.
Receiving the Milford Foundation Scholarship was a moment of pride and affirmation. Lily recalls, “I couldn’t believe it and felt incredibly happy. Receiving the scholarship gave me a sense of motivation and insight into what I can achieve.” The scholarship not only offers her stability but also connection, guidance, and the reassurance that she belongs to a community that believes in her potential.
At the heart of Lily’s aspirations is a desire to support children facing adversity. She hopes to be someone who ensures young people “feel seen, supported and valued,” just as she once needed. Driven by resilience and inspired by her mother’s strength, Lily is committed to building a career that changes lives.
Nisah Abdul Wahid
Tamaki College
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Auckland
Growing up in Kuala Lumpur, Nisah learned early what it meant to adapt, shifting between homes, routines, and environments. With Malaysian heritage and New Zealand citizenship, her identity has always been shaped by movement, resilience, and creativity. “I come from a small family of three – my mum, my brother, and me,” she shares, describing a household where love, sacrifice, and determination have carried them forward. From childhood, drawing became her anchor – a quiet passion that grew into a dream. “Architecture is more than a goal for me – it’s a promise to myself and to my family,” she says.
Receiving the Milford Foundation Scholarship marked a turning point. “I felt a happiness that words can barely describe,” she explains, especially after hearing growing up that earning a scholarship was unlikely. Instead, she proved to herself — and her community – that perseverance matters. The scholarship lifted not just financial pressure, but doubt. “It has helped me feel truly seen, valued, and capable,” she reflects, strengthening her determination to pursue architecture with full commitment.
For her, architecture is a way to create spaces that uplift others – beautiful, safe, meaningful places that improve the quality of people’s lives. She dreams of becoming an architect or interior designer, shaping environments that inspire while advocating for materials and choices that are safer for the planet. Her deepest motivation, though, remains her mother: “All my thanks would go towards her because I’ve become the person I am right now because of her.”
A determined dreamer, she steps into university ready to work hard, adapt, grow, and build a future she once only hoped for.
Smriti Parajuli
Te Aratai College
Bachelor of Radiation Therapy, University of Otago
Growing up in the small Nepali village of Kotakot, Smriti Parajuli spent nearly a decade surrounded by the love and support of her grandparents, mother, and younger brother. She recalls this period warmly, sharing how her father “wasn’t there with us most of the time as he was working in different countries… so we could live and eat properly,” a sacrifice that shaped much of her determination and gratitude today.
In 2017, Smriti’s life changed significantly when she and her family moved to New Zealand with the support of her aunt. Since then, she has embraced every opportunity with humility and purpose. She describes feeling “this happiness that sparks inside me whenever I get to do something for others,” a passion that guided her involvement in volunteering and ultimately inspired her pursuit of a healthcare career.
Smriti is now studying a Bachelor of Radiation Therapy at the University of Otago, driven by a desire to uplift and care for people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Her dream is grounded in empathy, shaped in part by her grandfather’s experience with cancer, and strengthened by her belief that “I love being the reason for someone’s smile.”
Outside her studies, Smriti finds joy in cooking – especially when her dad praises her skills – and in travelling and hiking with friends. She describes herself simply and powerfully: “I am a self motivated person.”
Smriti’s journey reflects resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others – qualities that will undoubtedly shape the difference she hopes to make in the world.
Te Orangaiti Swinton
Bishop Viard College
Bachelor of Physiotherapy, University of Otago
“The Milford Foundation represents hope, opportunity and trust,” says Te Orangaiti Swinton. “It feels like a community that genuinely wants to uplift young people and give us the chance to create better futures. Knowing that a whole organisation wants to invest in my journey motivates me to work harder and stay focused.”
Te Orangaiti is excited about studying physiotherapy because it’s about “people, community and creating positive change”. “My dream job is to work in a space where I can lead, support youth development, and make a difference by creating pathways and environments where young people – especially young wahine – feel confident, supported and seen,” she says.
Connection and community is important to Te Orangaiti, who says her greatest strength is her support system. “My family and friends give me strength, motivation and belief to keep going, even when things feel challenging. It’s made me resilient, caring and always willing to learn and improve. I don’t give up easily and I’m committed to doing the best I can.”
Te Orangaiti lists her hobbies as rugby, netball, being with family and friends, and coaching. “These have all shaped me into someone who enjoys teamwork, discipline and giving back. I’m looking forward to the growth that will come from stepping out of my comfort zone, and creating a future I’m proud of.”
Vaibhavi Patel
Papanui High School
Bachelor of Health Sciences, University of Otago
Growing up in Ōtautahi, Christchurch, Vaibhavi has always been driven by a deep commitment to service, leadership, and community. Raised by parents who “supported my aspirations unconditionally,” she spent her childhood immersed in extracurricular activities that helped her discover her passion for helping others. From serving as Head Girl to leading girls’ assemblies at her local Hindu temple, she has learned that leadership is most meaningful when it uplifts those around her. Outside of academics and service, she lives an active lifestyle, often starting her days “either at the gym or on a walk every morning.”
Receiving the Milford Foundation Scholarship was a transformative moment. She describes feeling “extremely overwhelmed,” especially after a challenging year. Sharing the news with her mum – who was overseas at the time – is a memory she treasures: “Seeing the pride and joy radiating off her smile is something I’ll never forget.” With the scholarship easing financial pressure, she can now dedicate herself fully to her studies and her dream of pursuing medicine.
Her long term aspiration is to become a surgeon and contribute to improving women’s health research – an area that holds deep personal significance for her and her family. Guided by her Hindu belief in seva (selfless service), she hopes to advocate for women whose voices often go unheard in the healthcare system. Determined, compassionate, and community minded, she describes herself simply as someone “committed to leading in a way that is empowering.”
