Mana Tangata scholarship recipient for 2026

Ko Mauao te maunga  

Ko Wairoa te awa  

Ko Ngāti Ranginui te iwi 

Ko Mike Cochrane tōku ingoa. 

In collaboration with Otago University, we are thrilled to introduce an inaugural Mana Tangata scholarship to our annual support of one final-year Neuropsychology student who whakapapa to Māori and or Pacifica with an interest in neurorehabilitation. The term Mana Tangata may be translated as “the prestige of the people,” which serves to emphasise the intrinsic honour and value of the University’s Māori and Indigenous Pacifica student communities.  

The recipient of this new scholarship is Mike Cochrane, and we are delighted to support him in his studies and strengthen his relationship with our organisation. 

Mike is a Clinical Psychologist currently training in neuropsychology through Otago University, and lives in New Plymouth with his wife and young child. Outside of study and spending time with his whānau, Mike enjoys participating in athletics, specifically running and hurdling, as well as surfing and spending time at the beach.  

Mike’s passion area and training to this point have mostly focused on neurodiversity. Recently he has started to focus his studies more towards Traumatic Brain Injury and Neuropsychology. 

“I thought I had a bit of a gap there and I’d love to do a bit more work in the area,” says Mike. “The more I learn, the more I’m enjoying it.” 

The scholarship provided a significant boost to Mike’s studies, as previously, he would have to travel to Wellington from New Plymouth for class, taking as small amount of time off work as possible, leaving behind his young child and whānau. Now, Mike is able to take his whānau with him, maximising the time spent with his son at a special time of his life, while taking pressure off study.  

“It’s a big honour, and it made such a difference for getting down to that course, especially being a new Dad, thinking I don’t want to take that time away from him. And then obviously to establish some connections has been really cool.” 

Nei te mihi whakanuia kī a koutou kā Mana Tangata tauira kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui i ou koutou mahi 

Greetings of celebration to all our Mana Tangata students, be strong, have confidence and have lots of heart in all you do