2021 Dick and Diana Hubbard Foundation

Petra, the daughter of Cambodian immigrants, is pursuing her dream of becoming a dentist. Inspired by her Healthcare mentor, Dr Zoe Wells she aspires to serve the underrepresented Cambodian community while achieving a work-life balance her parents could not.

School: Auckland Girls' Grammar School

Degree: Bachelor of Dental Surgery

University: University of Otago

2020 New Zealand Trade & Enterprise

George has overcome significant personal and family health challenges, as well as financial hardship, during his upbringing. Today, studying degrees in law and global studies, he is dedicated to empowering Pacific, marginalised, and indigenous youth. As a 2020 NZTE Alumni, George is recognised as a rising leader, committed to ensuring that education and opportunity reach those who need them most.

School: Edgewater College

Degree: Bachelor of Laws & Bachelor of Global Studies

University: University of Auckland

2020 The Gray Family

School: Bishop Viard College

Degree: Bachelor of Nursing

University: Whitireia Community Polytechnic

2012 Chorus

From overcoming significant barriers to becoming a lawyer and advocate, Julie Vidal embodies the power of opportunity. A First Foundation Scholar supported by Chorus NZ, she earned an LLB/BA and now works at Mana Mokopuna | Children and Young People’s Commission, ensuring young voices are heard in decisions that shape their lives. Passionate about equity and empowerment, she is committed to driving change for future generations.

School: St Catherines College Kilbirnie

Degree: LLB/BA

University: Victoria University of Wellington

2000 ION Limited

Today, Roseanne is a qualified Biomedical engineer and General Manager of Quality Systems at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. She believes early exposure to role models and the professionals that First Foundation provided was instrumental in her success.

School: McAuley High School

Degree: Bachelor of Engineering/Bioengineering

University: University of Auckland

2018 New Zealand Trade & Enterprise

Our 2023 Trustee Award winner, Jaxson Tautala-Hanita, NZTE scholar, exemplifies the astounding potential we can help unlock by giving the right support. Jaxson is the first in his family to attend university and gain a degree. He brought dogged determination on his journey from a single-income home in Taita to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Sciences at Otago University.

School: Taita College

Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Management and Politics

University: University of Otago

2009 Spark New Zealand

Tuputau Lalaulu was born in a family of 12 in South Auckland. Now his architecture is shaping the way communities of colour are housed – from New York to the Philippines and Chile. He’s one of the youngest Polynesian architects to use his skills to bring positive change to indigenous people in need.

School: De La Salle College

Degree: BAS Bachelor of Architectural Studies

University: UNITEC

2012 Coca-Cola Amatil NZ Ltd

Lafoai had always aspired to serve people in need, those facing extreme hardship. She’s been able to do just that as an Intermediate Solicitor at the NZ Abuse in Care Inquiry. And this is only one of the many contributions she’s made.

School: One Tree Hill College

Degree: BA/LLB Majoring in sociology

University: University of Auckland

2019 BNZ

Owyn is a BNZ scholar 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 in 2023. In 2024, Owyn has graduated with a Master’s degree in Science from the University of Otago and was the joint winner of First Foundation's 2024 Trustee Award.

School: Aotea College

Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science (Data Science, Public Health and Finance)

University: University of Otago

2019 Gawith Deans Family Trust

Shaniyah Monroe is a Gawith Dean scholar who has graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Biodiversity from Victoria University. At Mana College, Shaniyah was the Head Girl. She received an award for her achievements in Education and leadership at the Porirua Youth Awards and was First Foundation's joint 2024 Trustee Award winner.

School: Mana College

Degree: Bachelor of Science

University: Victoria University of Wellington

2010 NZI

Bernadette grew up in South Auckland working hard for her family and community. Today, she has brought her first home in the capital and smashed stereotypes as a Pasifika woman engineer. “I am forever grateful to NZI and First Foundation for the springboard into my career and corporate experience."

School: McAuley High School

Degree: B Eng (Hons.) Bachelor of Electrical & Electronic Engineering 2016

University: University of Auckland

2016 Rutherford Rede

Maria is a Policy Advisor in Building Policy at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, working on occupational regulation reforms in the construction sector. She says, “Thank you, First Foundation: you helped me bridge the gap from college to university, supporting my dreams and aspirations." She is particularly grateful to her mentor, Carol Fraser, who inspired Maria herself to help other young Pasifika women navigate their careers. She's now sharing the impact of her success with the next generation!

School: Tamaki College

Degree: Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences)

University: Auckland University of Technology

2016 Fonterra Co-operative Group

When Joel Hall was in high school, he didn’t immediately know what career was right for him. But through paid work experience with his scholarship partner Fonterra, he discovered what he wanted to focus on.

School: Fraser High School

Degree: Bachelor of Management Studies (Hons First Class - Strategic Management And Human Resource Management)

University: University of Waikato