The Mangahao River and surrounding streams have powered nearby homes and local businesses for 100 years. Now, King Country Energy (KCE) is giving back to the communities who share a deep connection with those waters, supporting four exceptional students through its Mangahao Next Generation Scholarship.
The one-off scholarship was created to honour the legacy of the scheme and the communities it has supported. The scholarship was open to anyone, in any year of post-secondary study, provided they were currently enrolled in a New Zealand university, polytechnic or apprenticeship. All applicants had to show a demonstratable link to the Mangahao River, Tokomaru Stream or the Mangaore Stream.
The response to the scholarship announcement was impressive, with a large number of very high calibre candidates.
“Mangahao has had a series of owners, but really, we’ve all just been custodians,” said Chris Fincham, General Manager of King Country Energy. “This scholarship is a reflection of that idea - that those who benefit from the river also have a responsibility to give back. We’re incredibly proud to support these four students who are passionate about their people, the land, and the future of Aotearoa. We were truly inspired by the number and quality of applicants.”
Meet the 2025 Mangahao Next Generation Scholarship Recipients:
Ryn Peni – A Bachelor of Business student at Massey University, majoring in Global Communication with a minor in Security Studies. Ryn has strong whānau ties to the Mangahao and is focused on creating policies that protect Aotearoa’s natural resources.
Emma Wheeler – Emma grew up alongside the Mangahao River and is now pursuing a career as a wildlife veterinary nurse. Her passion for conservation and animal care is rooted in her deep love for the awa and its wildlife.
Tarleya-Rose Matakatea – A law student at Victoria University of Wellington, Tarleya-Rose hopes to use her skills to support whānau and empower rangatahi, with a strong focus on family law and community upliftment.
Aaron Christensen – Aaron grew up in Shannon, around the Mangahao River area and has always had a strong connection to the land and the agricultural industry. Now studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, he’s focused on graduating to a high standard and using his knowledge to contribute to the future of New Zealand agriculture.
Announcing the scholarship recipients is a fitting conclusion to the 100-year celebrations of the Mangahao Power Scheme, which included two significant community events. In November 2024, KCE hosted invited guests at a commemorative gathering at Mangahao Power Station, where iwi, local leaders, school children and dignitaries honoured the power scheme’s heritage and unveiled new historical signage.
This was followed by a public open day in March 2025, where more than 400 people toured the station and learned about its role in powering the lower North Island for a century.
The Mangahao Hydro Electric Scheme remains one of New Zealand’s oldest and most important renewable generation assets, producing enough electricity to power around 16,000 homes annually. With a century of history behind it, KCE’s focus now turns to ensuring its legacy endures.
“We’ve celebrated the past, but we’re also investing in the future,” said Fincham. “The Mangahao Next Generation Scholarship is one way we’re helping ensure this community continues to thrive for the next 100 years.”
