The inaugural awardees of MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ *Ngā Karahipi Whakaeke – Awards Programme have been announced.
Congratulations to Mikayla Piripi from Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington and Crissina Andrews from Waipapa Taumata Rau – University of Auckland who have been awarded financial assistance of $5,000 as well as mentoring and CV support from national law firm, MinterEllisonRuddWatts.
As part of our ongoing commitment to encouraging greater diversity in the legal profession, MinterEllisonRuddWatts established the Ngā Karahipi Whakaeke awards programme earlier this year to support Māori law students who are the first member of their whānau tonu (immediate family) to attend university or to graduate with a Bachelor of Laws.
When announcing the recipients, Partner Briony Davies said, “It is inspiring to have met two such remarkable, focused individuals, and to hear of their drive and determination to achieve their goals. I am so delighted that through our Ngā Karahipi Whakaeke awards programme we can support two incredible wahine Māori on their career path.”
About the recipients
Whakaeke Pōneke Award
Mikayla Piripi (Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Porou, Hauraki / Pare Hauraki) is studying for her Bachelor of Laws at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. She has demonstrated great tenacity in her journey through life, work and her studies so far. She is a leader in her community and continually pushes herself to achieve and succeed, whilst also giving back to her whanau and iwi. Mikayla describes law as a “beautiful subject” saying it can be challenging, humbling, and often perplexing in its idiosyncrasies.
Whakaeke Tāmaki Award
Crissina Andrews (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou, Tainui) has been studying for her Bachelor of Laws part-time for the past five years at Waipapa Taumata Rau – University of Auckland, and next year will be studying full-time. Crissina has shown tremendous dedication, hard work and focus, with a massive capacity to work and multitask to achieve her goals. Crissina has worked in the legal industry for the past 11 years and is now fulfilling her dream of becoming a lawyer.
Applications for the Ngā Karahipi Whakaeke – Awards Programme 2025 will open in July 2024. More information on the awards and how to apply is available online here.
*Ngā karahipi means scholarship or award, and whakaeke means to enable arrival.