PUBLISHED MAY 2026

A celebration that belonged to everyone

The 2026 Night of Firsts brought together our community to honour the remarkable individuals whose journeys remind us that a single opportunity can change everything. This extraordinary evening celebrated the role education plays in opening doors, breaking barriers, and sparking a chain of change that reaches far beyond the individual, touching families, communities, and generations to come.

This year 88 rangatahi from across Aotearoa took to the stage and began their journey as First Foundation scholars. These are students with the drive and talent to change the future for themselves, their whānau, and their communities.

For many, the night held a string of literal firsts: a first flight; a first trip to Tāmaki Makaurau; a first face-to-face meeting with a mentor and most importantly, the first in their family to head to university. 

Whānau watched from the room and from screens across Aotearoa, and the energy they brought was electric.

And there was still more to be celebrated. Sixty-one scholars proudly marked the success of their 4-year First Foundation journey. Already, they had something to share with those following them. After a rousing speech from Arno Stil on their behalf, they passed on the mantle of opportunity, represented by kahu huruhuru (cloaks). These cloaks, or korowai, show support received, carried, and passed on.

The night drew everyone along with its optimism for the future. When Dr Karleigh O’Connor’s flight was cancelled, alumnus Eddie Tuiavii stepped in as the keynote. It was a reminder of what this community is made of.

Every hero video was filmed by alums. MCs Eddie and Allyssa both brought lived experience to the room. Alum board members Michelle Elia-Siloata and Tuputau Lelaulu presented the awards. 

Ready to see what giving forward looks like?

Check out our photo album and  livestream video of the event.

Talent is everywhere

First Foundation CEO Kirk Sargent closed the formal programme with a speech that was equal parts tribute and call to action. He laid out the numbers plainly: 814 applications this year, up 27%. 88 accepted. 86 shortlisted young people turned away, not because they weren’t ready, but because First Foundation wasn’t yet big enough to say yes.

At $28,000 over four years, a scholarship returns an estimated one million dollars in lifetime earnings, and $39 back into the economy for every dollar invested. First Foundation has backed over 1,000 scholars and the goal is bold, a second thousand by the end of the decade. “Talent is everywhere,” Kirk said. “Opportunity is not.

Sharing our scholar journeys

We highlighted stories of just a few of our amazing scholars and the people who support them. Watch these inspiring videos below.

Spotlight on alumni success: Eddie Tuiavii

With the original keynote speaker grounded by weather, Eddie stepped up at short notice to deliver one of the night’s most memorable speeches. Drawing on his journey that began in 2006 at Kelston Boys High School, where applying for a First Foundation scholarship once felt like a consolation prize, he spoke honestly about what the programme really gave him: not just financial support, but the scaffolding to navigate a world his family hadn’t mapped before. Now a Principal Advisor at Auckland Council with eight years, four promotions and a directorship at Le Va behind him, Eddie closed with words that landed hard: “Your life does not get better by chance. It gets better by change.”

What others shared about ‘A Night of Firsts’

Write something emotive here. A selection of public posts shared by alumni, scholars, partners and mentors following the event. Their words are incredibly encouraging.