New Zealand's higher education landscape has once again shone brightly with the announcement of the 2026 Rhodes Scholars, highlighting a remarkable focus on artificial intelligence (AI), Indigenous studies, and engineering. Lily Stelling, Naianga Tapiata, and Jannik Wittgen have been selected as the three recipients, each bringing unique strengths from leading New Zealand universities to the prestigious University of Oxford. This cohort underscores the growing emphasis on interdisciplinary excellence and global challenges within Kiwi academia.
The Rhodes Scholarship, established in 1903 by Cecil Rhodes, is renowned worldwide for supporting outstanding postgraduate students who demonstrate academic prowess, leadership, and commitment to service. For New Zealand, three scholarships are awarded annually, covering full tuition, a generous stipend—£20,400 per annum for the 2025-26 academic year—university fees, and travel expenses, enabling scholars to pursue degrees at Oxford without financial burden. This life-changing opportunity not only elevates individual careers but also bolsters New Zealand's reputation in global higher education.
Lily Stelling: Championing AI Safety and Governance
Lily Stelling, originally from Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington), exemplifies the forward-thinking talent emerging from New Zealand's universities. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in mathematics, economics, and philosophy from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, complemented by an honours degree in mathematics and statistics from the University of Queensland. Currently serving as a policy associate for SaferAI in England and Europe, Lily co-founded Make It 16 NZ at age 18, successfully advocating to lower the voting age—a campaign validated by New Zealand's Supreme Court.
At Oxford, Lily will pursue a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in International Relations, with a sharp focus on AI safety. "Though unconventional, close assessment of the evidence convinced me that AI safety may be the defining issue of this century," she reflects. Her goal is to forge governance structures that match the pace of technological advancement while safeguarding human agency. This pursuit aligns perfectly with global concerns over ethical AI deployment, positioning her as a key voice in an arena where New Zealand's innovative higher education sector can lead.
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington celebrated Lily as an alumna, noting her honour in joining the Rhodes community. Her journey highlights how New Zealand institutions foster interdisciplinary thinkers ready for international stages. For students eyeing similar paths, Victoria's robust programs in social sciences and quantitative fields provide a strong foundation—explore scholarships and career advice to chart your course.
Naianga Tapiata: Bridging Te Ao Māori and Global Scholarship
Naianga Tapiata, of Te Arawa, Waikato, Ngāti Awa, and Ngāti Porou descent, represents a historic milestone as the first graduate from a kura kaupapa Māori to secure a Rhodes Scholarship. Raised in Rotorua's Whakarewarewa village, immersed in Māori language and culture via Te Aho Matua philosophy, Naianga is completing an honours degree in social sciences at the University of Waikato. His research delves into mōteatea—traditional Māori songs—as expressions of Māori wellbeing, connecting people to whenua (land), whetū (stars), tangata (people), and wai (water).
He will undertake an MPhil in Social Anthropology at Oxford, aiming to develop tools for navigating between Indigenous and academic worlds. "I want to learn from those who challenge the status quo with clarity and care... to bring the frameworks of te ao Māori into global spaces," Naianga states. Inspired by Maggie Papakura, the first Indigenous woman at Oxford in 1927, he seeks to amplify Indigenous-led solutions to worldwide issues. The University of Waikato, marking its fifth Rhodes Scholar and fifth Māori recipient, views Naianga as embodying ancestral aspirations, per Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori Dr. Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai.
This achievement spotlights Waikato's commitment to Pacific and Indigenous Studies, enriching New Zealand higher education's cultural diversity. Aspiring Māori and Pasifika students can find pathways through programs like those at Waikato—check New Zealand higher ed opportunities for more.
Jannik Wittgen: Engineering Sustainability for a Greener Future
Jannik Wittgen, a 2023 graduate from Waipapa Taumata Rau—University of Auckland with first-class honours in Mechatronics Engineering, channels his expertise into environmental challenges. As a Process Development Engineer at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, and with over a decade in the New Zealand Cadet Forces as a commissioned officer, Jannik embodies leadership and technical acumen.
His MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment at Oxford targets 'wicked problems' like climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. "Humanity faces wicked problems... demanding urgent, collective action," he notes, emphasizing systemic threats to future generations. Orewa College, his secondary alma mater, proudly hailed this as a testament to Kiwi ingenuity.
Auckland's engineering faculty continues to produce global leaders, supporting New Zealand's push toward sustainable innovation. For those in engineering fields, resources like higher ed jobs and university positions offer next steps.
The Rhodes Scholarship Legacy in New Zealand
Since 1904, over 300 New Zealanders have received Rhodes Scholarships, contributing across politics, science, and arts—think figures like diplomat David Baragwanath or physicist Jenni Adams. With three awarded yearly via a rigorous process emphasizing academic excellence, character, leadership, and extracurriculars, the program has deep roots in NZ higher education. National Secretary Professor Duncan McGillivray lauds this year's diverse cohort.
Universities like Auckland, Waikato, and Victoria have nurtured many, fostering a network that returns enriched to bolster Kiwi academia. Visit the Rhodes Trust scholars list for full history.
Rigorous Selection: What Makes a Rhodes Scholar?
Candidates undergo interviews with a distinguished NZ committee, assessed on Cecil Rhodes' criteria: literary and scholastic achievement, athleticism, moral force of character, and exhibition of 'energies' for mankind's good. Applications open mid-year, with finals in October. This year's success stories reflect NZ unis' holistic training.
- Academic rigour: Top honours from competitive programs.
- Leadership: Campaigns, youth orgs, military service.
- Impact potential: Addressing AI risks, cultural bridges, sustainability.
Learn application tips via academic CV guides.
New Zealand Universities' Role and Pride
Waipapa Taumata Rau (Auckland), Te Herenga Waka (Victoria Wellington), and University of Waikato proudly claim these scholars, showcasing their programs' global caliber. Waikato's Indigenous focus enabled Naianga's breakthrough; Auckland's engineering excels in mechatronics; Victoria blends quant and policy skills. This elevates NZ higher ed profiles, attracting talent—see NZ uni jobs.
Social media buzzed with congratulations from unis, amplifying national pride.
Oxford Awaits: Courses and Opportunities
Oxford's world-class resources—libraries, labs, networks—await. Lily's IR program at the Blavatnik School; Naianga's anthropology in a culturally rich dept; Jannik's sustainability blending Saïd Business School and environment. The Rhodes network of 5,000+ spans continents, offering lifelong fellowships.
Scholars engage seminars, events, forging bonds for collaborative impact.
Fields in Focus: AI, Indigenous Studies, Engineering Trends
AI safety governance addresses existential risks; Indigenous anthropology integrates te ao Māori globally amid reconciliation efforts; sustainability engineering tackles NZ's climate vulnerabilities. These align with NZ priorities like Aotearoa's tech hub ambitions and Māori scholarship growth.
Stats: NZ invests heavily in AI ethics; Māori PhD completions up 20% recently. Explore more higher ed news.
Future Impact and Career Paths
Post-Oxford, expect policy roles, academia, startups. Lily in AI regulation; Naianga leading Indigenous initiatives; Jannik in green tech. Rhodes alumni drive NZ progress—networking via higher ed recruitment.
Aspiring to Rhodes: Actionable Insights
Build academics, lead causes, serve communities. NZ unis offer prep—apply early. Resources: resume templates, funding.
Celebrating Excellence, Looking Ahead
These scholars inspire NZ higher ed's future. Connect via Rate My Professor, seek jobs, advice, positions, or post jobs. Congratulations, Lily, Naianga, Jannik!
