Eastern Bay of Plenty Forest & Bird has announced the winners of its 2025 Marine Scholarship, recognising two outstanding young women for their dedication to marine science and conservation.

This year, the scholarship is being shared by Rubi Kennedy, a recent graduate of Whakatane High School, and Porsha Whyte of Ōpōtiki, who has just completed her first year at Victoria University. Each recipient will receive $2000 upon successful completion of their 2026 courses.

Ms Whyte grew up in Ōpōtiki, where the ocean is central to her daily life and identity as a wahine Māori. She excelled academically at Ōpōtiki College, achieving NCEA Levels 2 and 3 with Excellence, and was named Proxime Accessit in 2024.

Ms Whyte is pursuing a Bachelor of Science at Victoria University, double-majoring in Marine Biology, Ecology, and Biodiversity, while also studying Environmental Studies and Kaitiakitanga (Māori Studies).

Her interest in the marine environment developed through years of engagement with the ocean, school projects, clean-ups, dune planting, and environmental initiatives such as Rakāu O Te Ora.

She has gained hands-on research experience through internships with the Te Ao Hou Trust in Ōpōtiki, investigating climate adaptation strategies for low-lying communities, and at the Cawthron Institute in Nelson, where she studied the effects of rising seawater temperatures on shellfish species including pāua and green-lipped mussels.

“Pursuing marine biology will give me the knowledge and skills to contribute to ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, sustainable resource use, and the protection of species and habitats that are vital to Aotearoa,” Ms Whyte said.

 She is also the first in her whānau to attend university and is committed to supporting Māori representation in science and conservation.

Rubi Kennedy, from Whakatāne, developed her passion for marine science through her school’s marine biology class at Whakatāne High School.

Through the programme, led by teacher Te Aorere Walker, students gained their dive licence and were offered extensive field experiences, including diving trips to Whale Island, White Island, Whitianga and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Reflecting on one of those experiences, Ms Kennedy said the Great Barrier Reef was completely different to here.

“We got to see a lot more marine life because, while diving at White Island is really cool, it’s not a marine reserve, and it hasn’t got as many species.”

Ms Kennedy describes the ocean as her happy place and is deeply passionate about marine life being preserved and protected. When she completes her degree, Ms Kennedy hopes to work in a conservation role, advocating for more marine reserves so ocean life can recover and repopulate.

Ms Kennedy will start her marine biology studies at Victoria University next week and is looking forward to diving into Wellington’s diverse marine ecosystems whenever possible.

“I’m very grateful to receive this scholarship,” she said.

“It will help me follow my passion for marine conservation.”

Eastern Bay of Plenty Forest & Bird branch chairperson Linda Conning said the scholarships reflect the organisation’s commitment to marine conservation and supporting rangatahi interested in environmental science.

“We want to raise awareness of our marine ecosystems and promote marine conservation while helping young people become experts who can protect the environment,” she said.

“This scholarship helps support rangatahi who are interested in the environment to pursue that interest, while also raising awareness for marine conservation.”

The scholarship is fully funded by Eastern Bay of Plenty Forest & Bird, with funding generated through public donations and native plant sales and aims to provide sustainable support to students pursuing marine science.

Forest & Bird encourages Eastern Bay rangatahi to apply in future years.

To find out more about the local branch, visit Eastern Bay of Plenty Forest & Bird on Facebook.