From content to code: young Māori innovators carrying culture into the digital future
Developed in partnership with Ngāti Whātua and Revved, the inaugural recipients of the first Whātua Whitawhita scholarship can today be revealed— Manaia Acott Hodge Te Paa (19) and LaDainian Faimanifo (18).
One is harnessing digital storytelling to make kaupapa Māori more accessible; the other is pursuing software engineering and gaming. What unites Manaia and LaDainian is a belief that technology can be more than a career pathway: it can be a powerful means of expressing identity, strengthening culture and shaping the future.
The scholarship, Whātua Whitawhita (Powering Up), was established earlier this month to support Māori rangatahi aged 18 to 25 pursuing pathways in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. Through funding, mentoring, industry connections and leadership development, it aims to nurture the next generation of Māori innovators. Recipients receive financial support for study, training, equipment or venture development, together with mentoring from industry and iwi leaders, introductions to entrepreneurs and investors, and a place at the Revved 2026 Summit on 6 August, where they will join more than 800 business, innovation and community leaders.
Drawn to technology, innovation or building something of their own, candidates needed to showcase strong leadership potential, a commitment to creating positive outcomes for their communities, and demonstrate how their aspirations in technology could create lasting impact beyond themselves.
The first recipients of the inaugural Whātua Whitawhita scholarship are:
Manaia Acott Hodge Te Paa, 19 (Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāi te Rangi, Te Rarawa, Waikato)
Passionate about the intersection of technology, creativity and kaupapa Māori, Manaia has developed a strong interest in digital storytelling, content creation and emerging technologies. Through his work at his mother’s business Hine Rei, he has built skills in photography, videography, social media and digital marketing, helping make Kaupapa Māori more accessible to wider audiences while remaining grounded in culture and community.
LaDainian Faimanifo, 18 (Ngapuhi, Te Roroa, Tāmaki Makaurau)
Studying towards a Bachelor of Software Engineering at Media Design School, LaDainian aspires to build a career in the technology and gaming. Supported by his father who has more than 20 years’ experience in creative industries, including at WetaFX, he has developed a passion for building digital systems and exploring the potential of technology while remaining grounded in his whakapapa and cultural identity.
“Ngāti Whātua and Revved have come together around one thing: backing Māori rangatahi in technology - with funding, mentorship, and a network - so the talent that's already here has what it needs to go further. It is not a one-off grant; it is the start of a long relationship, grounded in both capability and Community,” shares Renata Blair, Ngāti Whātua CEO.
“Whātua Whitawhita represents a broader vision of investing in future generations. Manaia and LaDainian are true representatives of this Kaupapa, and we are excited to support their future and help facilitate the many opportunities ahead of them.”
Rochelle Moffitt, Revved founder, is delighted to host Manaia and LeDainian at the Revved Summit next month, which will see the scholarship immersed in Aotearoa’s leadership and innovation community, where they will be introduced to people who can help them achieve their goals, hear from leaders shaping Aotearoa’s futures, share their own stories, and build relationships with entrepreneurs, founders, investors and business leaders.
“Business and leaders have a role to play in creating a more equitable future. That's exactly what Rēnata did when he approached us with this vision, and we're now bringing it to life alongside our first recipients, LaDainian and Manaia,” shares Rochelle Moffitt, Revved founder.
“Technology is reshaping our economy, and without action that risks widening inequality, this scholarship exists to make sure Māori are designers of that future, not just participants in it. Together, we can make a huge difference.”
Both organisations are commited to growing the scholarship into a long-term programme through support from businesses, investors and organisations committed to building New Zealand's future leadership capability and a growing alumni community that gives back to future recipients.
The Revved 2026 Summit will take place on Thursday 6 August 2026 at Tāmaki Makaurau’s Viaduct Events Centre. More information and tickets are available from www.revved.events.
