Māori and Pacific Publishing scholarship set to open doors for a second year

Applications are now open for the 2022 Māori and Pacific Publishing scholarship from Whitireia Community Polytechnic Ltd and publisher Penguin Random House (PRH) NZ.

The scholarship offers funding for one Māori or Pacific student to study the Graduate Diploma in Publishing (Applied) with Whitireia. It also includes travel to the Penguin Random House head office in Auckland twice a year for hands-on experience at the biggest publishing house in Aotearoa.

The Māori and Pacific scholarship was created in 2020 to reduce barriers to equitable representation, and encourage diversity and inclusivity in publishing in Aotearoa.

The 2021 recipient, Luke Finnigan, who identifies as New Zealand Māori of Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki descent, says his time at Whitireia provided him invaluable insight into the publishing industry: “It’s been hectic! But it’s been enlightening. I’ve seen where Māori and Pasifika are at in the New Zealand publishing sector; how people see it and where we want it to go. It’s been a really important part of my time here.”

Luke also enjoyed his work experience at Penguin Random House, saying “It was awesome! The team there, they’re incredibly welcoming and really happy to show you anything you want to know. Hearing how people there are passionate about getting more diversity in New Zealand publishing was really cool.”

Head of Publishing at PRH Claire Murdoch says: “We are so proud of this kaupapa and what it has achieved. Last year we were lucky to receive a number of strong applications from talented and eligible people, confirming the need for a scholarship like this one, and we’re looking forward to seeing the same again. We loved having Luke join us for work placement and seeing the opportunities ahead of him as he graduates, and look forward to welcoming the 2022 scholarship recipient.”

Publishing tutor at Whitireia Odessa Owens says, “We are thrilled to be offering this scholarship in partnership with Penguin Random House again, providing real, practical support for Māori or Pacific students.”

Deadline for applications is January 14, 2022.

Apply now Penguin Random House Māori and Pacific Publishing Scholarship

More information

Whitireia Publishing

The Whitireia Graduate Diploma in Publishing (Applied) is the only full-time training course for publishing in New Zealand. Developed and run in partnership with the industry, this highly-regarded programme is modelled on an apprenticeship and focuses on practical experience and industry contacts.

Click here for more details.

Penguin Random House NZ

For more information about Penguin Random House NZ click here or contact:

Juliet McGhie
E: jmcghie@penguinrandomhouse.co.nz
M: 027 707 9127