(pics available www.nzpaimages.co.nz)

Wellington, Feb 2 NZPA - Six of eight students today awarded special Maori scholarships were taught at kaupapa Maori Schools.

Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples said there were 57 applicants for the Ngarimu VC and 28 (Maori) Battalion Memorial Scholarship Awards which were presented at Parliament today.

"These recipients stand out for the qualities that epitomise the Maori Battalion," Dr Sharples said.

"They can demonstrate strong knowledge and understanding of te reo Maori me ona tikanga (Maori language and values). They are pursuing the challenge of new ideas or discovering new fields. And they demonstrate mana, perseverance and courage," Dr Sharples said.

The scholarship fund was established in 1945 to commemorate the bravery of Second Lieutenant Moana Nui a Kiwa Ngarimu VC, and the service of Maori soldiers during World War 2.

Recipients were:

* Sarah Jane Lester-Thompson, who is at the Wellington School of Medicine completing her Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery;

* Roimata-o-te-Ora Papuni-IIles, who is in her final year of a six year honours programme studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws;

* David Jones, who is studying towards a Bachelor of Arts in Law and te reo Maori at Victoria University and is in his final year of a five year degree.

* Rutene Gabel, who is a Master of Arts student at Waikato University and expects to complete his studies in 2011;

* Robyn Rauna, who is in the final year of her Master of Business Administration at Waikato University.

* Enoka Murphy, who is studying in his second year of a Doctor of Philosophy in Maori, History, Cultural Studies and Heritage at the University of Waikato and expects to finish in 2013.

* Cain Kerehoma, who completed a Master of Laws with first class honours in 2007 and was a spokesman and student mentor for Maori during this time. He is working on various projects including setting up marae in Paraparaumu.

* Kahurangi Waititi, who completed a Master of Arts in 2007, majoring in screen and media. Her current focus is to make documentaries.

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