Global Scholarship: Apply now for 2010
For application forms or more information, please contact Darrin Apanui or Leanne Betty at Te Ohu Kaimoana on (04) 9319-500 Applications close 5pm on Wednesday, 4 March, 2009. Download Info pack and Application Form (PDF - 104kb) |
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2009 Tokyo-bound: Manihera Forbes
Journeys are a strong theme in the life of traditional Maori waka navigator Manihera Forbes, and his next ‘journey’ is as the 2009 Global Fisheries Training Programme Scholar to Japan.
Manihera (Ngati Hikairo, Tainui) is Tokyo-bound for the experience of a lifetime that will shape his future career. For the past 10 years he has immersed himself in learning traditional Maori navigation techniques on the Maori sea-voyaging waka Te Aurere.
“When it began in 1992, we had a Micronesian Master Navigator, but we now have three Master Navigators of our own, and two apprentices, of which I am one,” he said.
“I was brought up in waka, paddling little river waka, so once I had the opportunity to hop on a voyaging waka, well, it’s the ultimate.
“Out on the ocean, you can travel back in time to see what your ancestors saw, to use the skills that they used … it’s a very special link,” Manihera said.
A qualified lawyer, he is also ‘navigating’ a path for his career, of which the scholarship he begins this month is a key part.
He has been snapped up by Sealord Group even before he heads to Japan, with a role waiting for him upon his return as a Business Development Manager in their aquaculture division.
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| The sea-voyaging waka Te Aurere, on which Manihera Forbes is training in traditional Maori navigation techniques |
As well as his law degree from Waikato University, Manihera has a Maori Nautical Studies Certificate from Te Wananga o Aotearoa
. He will have the opportunity to build on his existing knowledge of the seafood industry and at the same time share with his Japanese colleagues his knowledge of Maori customary fishing and sailing on Te Aurere.
“My future aspirations are to be with Maori at the forefront of fisheries development and management at national and international levels.” he said.
“I am looking forward to the insights the Scholarship will provide for me over the next 12 months.”
Downland the Scholarship Flyer which includes Manihera's story above (PDF - 1.4mb)