Nadeen Papali’i, a masters student in environmental engineering has been awarded The University of Auckland-sponsored Leadership Award. The 22-year-old from Otara says:  

“I just think it's really exciting that the government have put these awards together because it shows they want to support our future.  The enormity of the award didn't really hit till the day after the ceremony in wellington.  I had been hoping for a scholarship to fund my masters, so for God to bless me with this particular award was really overwhelming.  The award means a lot to me personally on so many levels but the one I think many will relate to is that the awards as a whole acknowledges the migration of many of our grandparents or parents from the islands to New Zealand for a better education/ future. It honors the sacrifice and hard work needed to make things happen - all of which were modeled with the 'great migration'.  Thank you SPPEEx for your support and encouragement throughout my tertiary studies.  It's one thing starting it but another thing entirely to finish it.  I’m really excited about the future and even more excited to see the influx of pacific people in engineering.  Onwards and upwards!”

Nadeen follows in the footsteps of fellow SPPEEx member J’aime Laurenson who was awarded the same recognition at the inaugural awards in 2010.  

The Leadership scholarship pays fees towards a programme of study at The University of Auckland.