University of Waikato scholar Naianga Tapiata (Ngāti Pikiao, Tūhourangi, Ngāti Tarāwhai, Waikato, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Porou) has been welcomed into the Rhodes Scholarship Class of 2026, joining a global cohort of 108 Scholars Elect from 25 constituencies set to begin their graduate studies at the University of Oxford.
Selected through a rigorous international process, Tapiata and his fellow scholars represent exceptional academic distinction, character, and a commitment to addressing global challenges. Tapiata, who is finishing his honours degree in social sciences researching mōteatea and Māori wellbeing, will undertake a Master of Philosophy in Social Anthropology at Oxford.
“I know I am at the start of this journey but it’s been amazing bwing here and meeting the other scholars from all over the world,” says Tapiata.
“Many people have received this prestigious Rhodes Scholarship and I intend to learn as much as possible and create enduring relationships so that I can support the mahi being done on our marae at home in Aotearoa but from a global context,” he says.
Joining a prestigious global community
As the world’s oldest and premier graduate fellowship, based at Oxford since 1903, the Rhodes Scholarship brings together rangatahi leaders from diverse fields across the globe.
“For more than a century, the Rhodes Trust has brought exceptional individuals to Oxford and fostered a vibrant global community,” said Sir Rick Trainor, Warden of Rhodes House and CEO of the Rhodes Trust. “We look forward to the impact these new Scholars will make, both during their studies and after they complete their degrees.”
Beyond academic pursuits, Tapiata plans to leverage the global platform to bridge Indigenous and academic knowledge systems.
“Now that I’m here it’s surreal and I’m looking forward to getting stuck and immersing myself in the higher learning that is being offered here,” Naianga says.
“The degree I will pursue in the years to come is a degree in social anthropology, but beyond the qualification itself, the real essence of these Oxford institutions is the people who surround them.”
Walking in Historic Footsteps
Naianga’s arrival at Oxford builds directly on a profound historical connection. He follows in the footsteps of Mākereti Papakura (Guide Maggie) from his home village of Whakarewarewa, who in 1927 became the first Indigenous woman to study at Oxford and was awarded a posthumous MPhil in Anthropology in Sep 2025.
“Her journey was extraordinary not just because of where she went, but because of where she came from,” says Tapiata. “She walked through Oxford’s gates as a child of Whakarewarewa, carrying our stories with her. Her story is not simply history. It is legacy and I want to be able to add value to that and also make my whanau proud back in Whakarewarewa, Ngāpuna and our Rotorua communities.”
“Ahakoa tēnei ekenga o tātou, he ekenga tonu i roto i te ao Māori. Koia kā kīa ko te ekenga nui nei ki a tātou katoa,” hei tā Naianga.