The two awardees received sizable financial assistance as well as mentoring from the firm
MinterEllisonRuddWatts has named Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington’s Mikayla Piripi and Waipapa Taumata Rau - University of Auckland’s Crissina Andrews as the awardees of its first-ever Ngā Karahipi Whakaeke - Awards Programme.
Piripi received the Whakaeke Pōneke Award, while Andrew received the Whakaeke Tāmaki Award. Through the programme, which was launched last year, they were awarded $5,000 in financial assistance, along with obtaining mentoring and CV support from the firm.
The firm described Piripi as “a leader in her community and continually pushes herself to achieve and succeed, whilst also giving back to her whanau and iwi”. At present, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Laws degree.
Meanwhile, Andrews (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou, Tainui), who has worked in the legal profession for 11 years. She has been pursuing her Bachelor of Laws part-time for the past five years and is transitioning to full-time study.
“It is inspiring to have met two such remarkable, focused individuals, and to hear of their drive and determination to achieve their goals. I am so delighted that through our Ngā Karahipi Whakaeke awards programme we can support two incredible wahine Māori on their career path”, MinterEllisonRuddWatts partner Briony Davies said.
The firm confirmed that it would open the floor for applications to the 2025 Ngā Karahipi Whakaeke - Awards Programme in July.
