ECE and support staff scholarships

Did you know NZEI Te Riu Roa awards over $30,000 worth of scholarship funds each year to ECE teachers and support staff? Ako spoke to some of the 2024 recipients about how they used the funds and the impact it has had on their mahi.

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You can apply for the 2026 scholarships here.

Michelle Dons is kaiako matua at Matangi Āwhio kindergarten in Whakatū. She received an ECE scholarship to further her studies in how to promote and support emotional regulation in tamariki and kaiako in kindergarten. She shared some of her experiences of the scholarship with us.

Teacher aide Paul Hartland received a Support Staff scholarship from NZEI Te Riu Roa in 2024 and used the funds towards his study to become a qualified counsellor. He is now working as a counsellor at Pukekohe High School. He answered some questions about his experience of the scholarship.

Teaching assistant Victoria Goode facilitates a Nurture Group at Nelson Central School. She received a Support Staff scholarship from NZEI Te Riu Roa in 2024 and used the funds to train with Nurture International in the UK. She answered some questions about her experience of the scholarship.



ECE kaiako Jared Lambert received an ECE scholarship from NZEI Te Riu Roa in 2024 and used the funds to help complete his Master of Psychology. He answered some questions about his experience of the scholarship.

The 2026 scholarship applications round opened on Saturday 2 February 2025 and close on Friday 2 May 2025. Find out more and apply here.

The scholarships are set up to advance the strategic direction of NZEI Te Riu Roa by providing an opportunity for early childhood education and support staff members to enhance their skills and knowledge within the workplace and in education generally.

ECE, Professional learning & development, Scholarship, Support staff

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