Call for applications for Māori and Pacific Publishing Scholarship

This scholarship was created in 2020, in collaboration with Whitireia Community Polytechnic Limited, with the aim of reducing barriers to equitable representation and encouraging diversity and inclusivity in publishing in Aotearoa.

The scholarship offers funding for one Māori or Pacific student to study the Graduate Diploma in Publishing (Applied) with Whitireia. It also includes travel to the Penguin Random House head office in Auckland twice a year for hands-on experience at the biggest publishing house in Aotearoa.

The 2023 scholarship recipient, Trinity Thompson-Browne (Ngāti Kahungunu, Muaūpoko), is a well-known poet and photographer. They say:

‘In 2023, I was able to pursue further study, completing the Whitireia Graduate Diploma in Publishing. I could not have done this without the support of the Penguin Random House Māori and Pacific Publishing Scholarship. It is the reason I could study, and the work placements Penguin Random House offers mean I can walk into the industry confident and ready to create systemic change for my communities.

‘Being able to research kaupapa of interest — why there aren’t many Māori in the publishing industry — was a defining highlight of the course. No less than one month after completing the diploma, I am already putting this research and the skills learnt in the course into practice. Shoutout to my classmates and to our expert tutors, Odessa and Theresa. Despite the chaos of 2023, they always arrived smiling and happy to see us.

‘The Whitireia Graduate Diploma in Publishing was an incredibly empowering course both personally and professionally. I recommend it wholeheartedly. The Penguin Random House Māori and Pacific Scholarship is a significant investment in Māori and Pacific communities; I look forward to seeing the long-term benefits from this initiative, and I encourage prospective Māori and Pacific students to apply for the 2024 scholarship.’

The deadline for applications is 15 January 2024. Eligibility criteria and details on how to apply can be found at the below link.

Apply now for the Penguin Random House Māori and Pacific Publishing Scholarship

More information

Whitireia Publishing

The Whitireia Graduate Diploma in Publishing (Applied) is the only full-time training course for publishing in New Zealand. Developed and run in partnership with the industry, this highly regarded programme is modelled on an apprenticeship and focuses on practical experience and industry contacts. Click here for more details on the course.