Men in Early Childhood Education Scholarship

We believe having male teachers in early childhood education is important because it brings diversity in role models, which can positively influence children’s social and emotional development. Male teachers provide unique perspectives, helping to challenge gender stereotypes and show children that nurturing, teaching, and care are roles that belong to everyone. This representation is particularly valuable as children develop their understanding of gender roles and social dynamics. Additionally, having male teachers in early childhood settings can promote inclusivity, enrich the learning environment, and foster a sense of belonging for children from all backgrounds.

The scholarships support our commitment to equity and growing a diverse culturally responsive teaching workforce by reducing the socio-economic barriers that may prevent some men from studying an initial teacher education programme.

The Men in ECE Scholarships will pay study fees for one applicant for the full duration for each of the following programmes:

• Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) (three years)
• Graduate Diploma of Teaching (ECE) (one year)

The scholarships will be awarded competitively to new students on the basis of equity, merit and commitment to community and tamariki.

Applicants must:

• meet the admission criteria for the programme they wish to study and have submitted an application to study in the programme.

• be new students, not already studying the Bachelor or Graduate Diploma of Teaching.

• be New Zealand Citizens or Permanent Residents

• intend to begin study in the semester immediately following their application, either full-time or part-time.

Applications close on:

• Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) and Graduate Diploma of Teaching (ECE) | 10 January for programmes beginning in Semester One

• Bachelor of Teaching ECE | 1 June for programmes beginning in Semester Two

To be considered, the following must be received by 5 pm on the closing date:

• Completed online scholarship application form

• All supporting documents including 2 references, ethnicity endorsements and IRD earnings statements

• Completed application to study in the intended programme (apply via the Apply Now button)

Late or partially completed applications will not be considered for a scholarship.

Successful applicants will be notified within three weeks of the application closing date.

Applicants will be considered and recommended by a committee led and organised by Dr Rosina Merry, Director of Teaching, Learning and Research

The Chief Executive will make the final decision.

Every scholarship application must be supported by the following documents.

1. A personal statement, less than two pages, outlining:

   • Your goals for your teaching career
   • Your involvement and commitment to your community and tamariki
   • Your personal attributes, achievements and strengths that you feel would make you an outstanding kaiako, teacher or faiāʻoga in your community.
   • Why do you want to study teaching with Te Rito Maioha
     
     
2. Two references from reputable people in your community who know you well.
   This could include a school principal or senior teacher if you are a recent school leaver; a leader of a community organisation, church or iwi group you are connected with; an ECE service manager or school principal where you are employed or volunteer.
   They cannot be a family member.
   
   
3. IRD statement of earnings
   Te Rito Maioha scholarships are intended for tauira | students who would otherwise be unable or find it difficult to study for financial reasons. Because of this, we ask for information on the applicant’s financial situation and support. The information provided will be reviewed only by the committee and is used solely for the purpose of assessing the application.
   Note: Financial hardship does not include reluctance to take on a student loan.

If the applicant is financially self-supporting, or you have a partner who helps support you




   You must supply a Statement of Earnings from Inland Revenue for the previous financial year.

  
IRD Website
  
   
 Log in to MyIR (registering is easy if not already registered).
   
Go to 'My Income', click on 'Account Information'
   
 Navigate to 'Income Tax'.
  
Under Earnings Information, the previous financial year will be listed.

If you are self-employed, you should provide either your IRD statement or supporting documentation from your business indicating your income.  


Note: Payslips, bank statements and/or employer letters will not be accepted. If you have a partner or spouse, they also need to supply a Statement of Earnings from Inland Revenue as above.

If the applicant is supported by parents or caregivers




Each parent or caregiver who support you needs to provide a Statement of Earnings from Inland Revenue for the previous financial year.

 
IRD Website
  
   
 Log in to MyIR (registering is easy if not already registered).
   
Go to 'My Income', click on 'Account Information'
   
 Navigate to 'Income Tax'.
  
Under Earnings Information, the previous financial year will be listed.

  If they are self-employed, they should provide either their IRD statement or supporting documentation from your business indicating their income.  
 
Note: Payslips, bank statements and/or employer letters will not be accepted.

• A completed online application form and all supporting documents must be submitted by 5pm on the closing date. Late applications will not be accepted.

• All offers of the men in ECE Scholarships are conditional upon the recipient being confirmed to begin study in the semester following application, in one of the following programmes:

  • Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
  • Graduate Diploma of Teaching (ECE)
    
    

• The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later semester or year. Applicants who wish to delay their study to a later semester or year may re-apply for the Scholarship.

• Should the recipient withdraw from study during the tenure of this scholarship or fail to achieve a satisfactory progress, partial repayment of the scholarship will normally be expected. Recipients must advise Te Rito Maioha if they intend to withdraw.

• At the discretion of the Chief Executive, the application of the terms and conditions of the Scholarship may be modified in special circumstances or to avoid hardship to any candidate for the Scholarship.

• During their study, recipients of Te Rito Maioha Scholarships are expected to:

  • show outstanding commitment to their study
  • contribute to their ECE centres, and community
  • act as ambassadors for Te Rito Maioha and participate in marketing activities if required.
    
    

• After graduation, scholarship recipients are expected to continue to make a positive contribution to the education sector and their community.