PUBLISHED MAY 2024
2024 Trustee Awards to two future-focused scientists
Owyn Aitken and Shaniyah Munroe are our 2024 Trustee Award winners.
Shaniyah Monroe (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Raukawa—Horowhenua, Tūhoe) is a Gawith Dean scholar who has graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Biodiversity from Victoria University.
She’s shone as a leader in her community and is already inspiring those around her.
At Mana College, Shaniyah was the Head Girl. She received an award for her achievements in Education and leadership at the Porirua Youth Awards.
Representing Porirua with pride
Owyn is a BNZ scholar and like Shaniyah, is from Titahi Bay in Porirua. He founded Remojo Tech while at Aotea College. The social enterprise teaches rangatahi to repair computers, and it has grown into a nationwide programme that won a High Tech Award last year.
This year, Owyn has graduated with a Master’s degree in Science from the University of Otago. He shared his gratitude to the mentors and the people at First Foundation.
“Huge thanks for giving this amazing opportunity to people from backgrounds and circumstances where going to university and having a successful future isn’t necessarily a given.”
Shaniya agreed with enthusiastic thanks to all of those who support First Foundation and its scholars. She says she’s incredibly proud to graduate and amazed to find herself at this next phase of her life.
“I want to give a message to the upcoming scholars; take advantage of your journey and enjoy the present —a lot! Looking at you I realise that was literally me three years ago. And now we’re the ones graduating. It’s unreal!
Ready to change the world
Owyn adds, “It does go both ways. The scholars are coming from different backgrounds and circumstances. They bring different perspectives, new perspectives, and different skills. Above all, they know how to work hard.
“First Foundation enables its scholars to make that contribution to the world. It can be seen by all the incredible alumni. It’s inspiring for me personally, and it’s just amazing how much value this programme can bring to the world through these young people. Thank you all for that.
Owyn and Shaniya were chosen from six nominees. The Trustees Award recognises scholars who stand out among their generation for their exceptional resolve and achievement. Owyn and Shaniya are excellent examples of this—congratulations to both of them.
Read about our 2024 nominees here:
- Shaniyah Munroe, 2019 Gawith Deans Family Trust Scholar
- Owyn Aitken, 2019 BNZ Scholar
- Connor De Lautour, 2019 Spark New Zealand Scholar
- Daniella Gibson, 2019 Transpower NZ Ltd Scholar
- Salma Asiata, 2019 NZI Austin Hemmings Memorial Scholar
- Veryan Straight, 2020 Transpower NZ Ltd Scholar
