Learning Media has awarded a $10,000 scholarship to a Tokoroa man to help him complete his Masters thesis about Maori language identity.
The scholarship supports Maori students enrolled in Honours or Masters study, who are writing their thesis in te reo Maori.
Aaron Koopu of Te Whanau-a-Apanui, Ngati Porou and Ngapuhi descent is basing his thesis around discussions surrounding the characteristics of Maori identity which is titled: Mā tōku reo e kīa ai he Māori ahau? Creating an identity through the acquisition of Te Reo Māori.
Learning Media chief executive David Glover says Mr Koopu is working on a topic of potentially great interest to Maoridom and New Zealand as a whole.
He says Mr Koopu is an intelligent and humble man, but also shows all the signs of being a future leader.
Mr Koopu eventually plans to return to Tokoroa to work for the educational department of the Raukawa Trust Board.
