9 Dec 2016

Pacific students encouraged to go for STEM scholarships

8:40 am on 9 December 2016

New Zealand's Pacific Peoples Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga is calling for Pacific tertiary students to take up science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

National party minister Sam Lotu-Iiga during caucus run.

Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

He said the government introduced the Toloa Scholarships last year to encourage more of what are known as the STEM subjects to be studied by Pasifika students.

Mr Lotu-Iiga said by combining STEM skills with Pacific values and creativity, New Zealand's Pacific youth can play key roles in addressing challenges such as climate change, digital connectivity and resource management.

He said higher qualifications tend to lead to higher earnings and better long term prospects for Pacific families and communities and there is $US570,000 dollars available over four years with a minimum of eight scholarships a year.