First Foundation

29/05/2026

Sheloutska Howe is a trailblazer. The first in her family to walk through the doors of university.⁠⁠

Born of Pasifika and Greek roots, raised in South Auckland by a mum who carried the weight of four kids on her own, Sheloutska grew up without many people around her who had taken the leap into higher education. So when she heard about First Foundation in Year 12, it felt out of reach.⁠⁠

"I honestly didn't think I would get it."⁠⁠

But she did. And those first steps weren't easy. A difficult first semester left her feeling lost, and scared to ask for help.⁠⁠

Then she decided to lean in anyway.⁠⁠

With the support of her mentors Claire Le Grice, scholarship partner from Hibiscus Solutions Mike Alston, and the stability that came with moving into university accommodation, everything started to shift. Her grades climbed. Her confidence grew. Her mental health improved.⁠⁠

Now in her third year of Nursing at AUT, Sheloutska isn't just proving something to herself, she's showing her brothers, her community, and every kid from South Auckland what's possible.⁠⁠

"There is potential in me. And there are people at First Foundation who genuinely want to help me succeed."⁠⁠

28/05/2026

What an incredible journey it’s been! We had the most amazing time connecting with you all at our Whānau Frying Pan events across New Zealand. We hope the memories are just as special for you, thank you so much for showing up, sharing your kōrero, and having some Kai with us. Until next time! 🍳❤️

26/05/2026

Our CEO, Kirk Sargent was on RNZ Morning Report early today, talking about what $350 million in Fees Free could do differently.

We wanted to add something to that conversation.

Last year, 180+ rangatahi met every criterion for a First Foundation scholarship. We could only fund half. 82% are the first in their whānau to go to university. Their households earn well below the national average. Access was the only barrier.

To say yes to every approved rangatahi: $2.4 million a year.

Over $1 billion has gone into Fees Free since 2018. 17% of students from low-decile schools reach university. 50% from high-decile. That gap hasn't moved.

The model works. Our 2023 cohort: 5.6% withdrawal rate, the strongest in the programme's 27 years. NZIER puts $39 back into the economy for every $1 invested. 800+ alumni are already out there. Many now mentor the next cohort, hire from it, or back the programme that backed them.

The funding mechanism is proven too. In 2008, the Australian Government committed $20 million to the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation, matched by private sector, with a 2028 target. Done by 2012. Sixteen years early.

Budget Day is Thursday. The talent is here. Worth a conversation.

🎙️ https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2019036617/what-are-some-alternative-ideas-for-350m-fees-free-funds

22/05/2026

Oliver Ball couldn't read until Year 5, was failing most of his classes in Year 10, and wasn't sure university was even in his future.

"When I was younger, I never really thought of myself getting too far."

Then in Year 11, he found out scholarships existed.

This year, the Whangārei Boys' High School student with autism became the first in his family to earn a place at university

Heading to Waikato to study criminology and sociology on a $28,000 L'Oréal NZ scholarship through First Foundation.

Ask him what he's most excited about, and it's not the money. It's the mentor, a dedicated guide walking beside him through the most pivotal years of his life, real work experience, and a network he didn't know he could belong to.

Thank you for making it possible.

"If you just apply yourself more… you can just do a lot more."

Read Oliver's full story, as told by / :

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/on-the-up-whangarei-boys-high-school-student-with-autism-wins-first-foundation-scholarship/BG3HTZMWUVH77CE56QWHC4DEFQ/

13/05/2026

Ieti Ah Young is the eldest. The one who sets the bar for his brothers to climb higher.

Born in Samoa, raised in New Zealand, Ieti grew up watching his parents chase the opportunities they believed this country could offer. He had big dreams of becoming a doctor, but there was one big barrier.

"How am I going to pay for it? How am I going to pay it back?"

A First Foundation scholarship changed that. His parents cried happy tears. His heart was full.

Now in his fourth year of Medicine at the University of Otago, supported by scholarship partner Volpara Health, Ieti isn't just doing it for his Pacific community, he's doing it for all of New Zealand.

"First Foundation has given me the opportunity to be great. Now the ball's in my field."

11/05/2026

We've just released our 2025 Annual Report. It shows what happens when someone gets a chance they wouldn't have had otherwise. 78 cents of every dollar goes straight to scholars. For every $1 in, $39 comes back over time. More than half of our partners have come back and done it again.

That tells you more than anything we could say.

Click here for the full report: https://firstfoundation.org.nz/our-2025-annual-report-inspires-confidence/

07/05/2026

Have you been travelling this month? You might have spotted First Foundation's founder Steve Carden in Air New Zealand's Kia Ora magazine.

"Education, when properly supported, behaves less like a cost and more like infrastructure. Its returns compound." That line says everything about why we do what we do.

27 years. 1,183 scholars. And research showing that for every dollar invested in a First Foundation scholar, society receives $39 in return over their lifetime.

We are working towards 2,000 scholars by 2030 — not because it is a nice round number, but because the evidence tells us the return to New Zealand communities is worth every bit of effort it takes to get there.

Pick up a copy on your next flight, or share this post with someone who should read it.

04/05/2026

Just 2 days left to apply for a First Foundation 2027 Scholarship — closing 6 May!

Are you a hardworking young New Zealander with big ambitions? First Foundation scholarships are designed to help students who have the talent and the drive, but need a little extra support to get there.

👉 Head to the link to check if you meet the requirements, it only takes a minute.

Not eligible yourself? Please share this post! You never know who in your network might be the perfect fit. Parents, teachers, coaches, and employers, your share matters.

📅 Applications close: Wednesday, 6 May
🔗 https://firstfoundation.org.nz/students-schools/how-to-apply/

29/04/2026