Renee Hirini is a mum who is on track to complete her three-year nursing degree with the help of a $5,000 scholarship from the South Waikato Investment Fund Trust (SWIFT). Renee says her nursing degree will enable her to make a difference for the South Waikato community by helping to provide better healthcare.

Renee was raised in Tīrau and Matamata with both her koro, who passed away due to medical conditions. "I saw the gap in the healthcare system and wanted to support other whānau in the community. I have seen the positive impact healthcare professionals have made in Tokoroa, which inspired me to pursue this degree. More Māori and Pasifika nurses and doctors are needed because our people are overrepresented in every major health issue," Renee explains.

"I was grateful to be one of the 23 recipients selected for the SWIFT scholarship. It was a straightforward process with clear guidelines and SWIFT were incredibly supportive. I received $4,000 which went directly to Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology and $1,000 to cover student costs which I have used for travel expenses for classes in Rotorua and clinical placements in Taupō."

Renee lives in Tokoroa with her partner and three-year-old daughter and juggles motherhood and nursing studies. "Balancing clinical practice with study and caring for my little whānau has been challenging but pushes you to grow. I am trying to show my daughter anything is possible."

Renee encourages anyone from South Waikato to apply for a SWIFT scholarship. "Often Māori and Pasifika students come from low decile schools or low-income families. Despite these challenges, we are fully capable of excelling in whatever paths we choose. SWIFT scholarships provide financial support to access educational opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach."

Applications for SWIFT scholarships for 2025 open until 31 October.

The $50,000 SWIFT scholarship scheme helps South Waikato residents with their tertiary education at a university, polytechnic or whare wananga.

SWIFT endorses 'whole of life' education and welcomes school leavers and applicants looking to upskill for employment in another industry.

Scholarship applications close on 31 October. Visit https://www.swift.org.nz/scholarship-scheme/