BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
Education, perseverance and ambition were proudly celebrated as three Solomon Islands Manaaki New Zealand Scholars graduated from the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand.
The graduates received their qualifications during the university’s graduation ceremony on Friday, 17 April 2026, marking a major milestone not only in their personal journeys, but also in continuing the development of Solomon Islands through higher education.
Among the graduates, Marlyan Houkarawa completed a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Economics with a minor in Finance.
Andrew Leitaka also celebrated academic success after completing a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accounting.
Meanwhile, Trisha Haidee Bambu achieved an outstanding result, graduating with First Class Honours in a Master of Digital Business.
The Waikato University Solomon Islands Student Association (WUSISA) congratulated the graduates on their achievements and joined family members and friends to celebrate the special occasion.
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships programme remains an important strategic initiative that supports the development goals of partner countries while strengthening New Zealand’s international relationships.
For the Solomon Islands, New Zealand scholarships have played a valuable role for decades in developing skilled professionals in sectors such as education, health, agriculture, engineering, governance and public administration.
Many returning graduates have gone on to serve in government ministries, schools, hospitals, businesses and communities throughout the Solomon Islands.
In recent years, the programme was rebranded as Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, with “Manaaki” reflecting the Māori values of hospitality, respect and care.
Today, many alumni hold leadership roles across the Solomon Islands in education, civil service, business and community development, continuing the programme’s legacy of creating opportunities and strengthening people-to-people ties between New Zealand and the Solomon Islands.
Photo credit: Bronwyn Townsend
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