24th February, 2026
Sir Hēnare Ngata Māori Accounting Scholarship Aotearoa‑wide
Kia ora koutou,
In honour of Sir Hēnare Ngata and his legacy of leadership, service and mātauranga, BDO is proud to offer three national scholarships to support talented Māori students in their journey toward a career in accounting.
Now in its fifth year, the Sir Hēnare Ngata Scholarship supports Māori students in their final or penultimate year of study who are passionate about building a future in the accounting profession and contributing to the Māori business sector across Aotearoa.
The scholarship includes:
- $7,500 financial assistance for study‑related costs
- A paid internship at a BDO firm
- Registration and related costs (up to $1,500) to attend
- a Ngā Kaitatau Māori o Aotearoa hui
- Mentorship with BDO throughout your final year of study (March – November)
Through this scholarship, we aim to support and uplift Māori talent, grow Māori leadership within the accounting profession, and help shape the future of the Māori business sector across Aotearoa.
Who is eligible? We are looking for tauira Māori who are motivated, values‑driven, and committed to pursuing a career in accounting.
To be eligible, you will need to:
- Be able to verify whakapapa Māori
- Reside in New Zealand while completing your study and internship
- Be completing your final or penultimate year of tertiary study in accounting at a recognised New Zealand institution in 2026
What will help you stand out (but is not essential): - Demonstrated leadership in any area of your life (education, community, sport, or extracurricular activities)
- Active involvement in your community
Please include details of any of the above in your cover note when you apply (keep it authentically you, it doesn't have to be long, just a way to help us get to know you!)
Hear from a past recipient:
"One of the biggest moments where I felt supported was receiving the Sir Hēnare Ngata Scholarship, which opened the door for me to start my internship at BDO. I’m really grateful that Mark, one of our Audit Partners, saw potential in me and gave me this opportunity.
As part of the scholarship, I was also given the opportunity to attend an International Indigenous Accounting Conference, which was incredibly inspiring.”
- Rosie, 2024 Sir Henare Ngata Scholarship recipient Apply now Still reading? Ka pai! That’s a good sign.
If you’re eligible and keen to be part of the Sir Hēnare Ngata Scholarship journey, we’d love to hear from you. Click Apply Now and take the next step toward your future in accounting.
Applications close: Sunday 6 April
“Te manu e kai ana i te miro, nōna te ngahere;
te manu e kai ana i te mātauranga, nōna te ao.” The bird that feeds on the miro berry owns the forest;
the bird that feeds on knowledge owns the world.
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