More than a system upgrade: How Manaaki is changing the way scholarships are delivered

Anamata, the end-to-end technology system that helps manage the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, recently launched its Drop Two stage that introduces new functionality. This helps the system manage placements, improve budget management and extensions and a range of enhancements that support the scholarship journey. 

Drop Two marks another important step towards a more sustainable, flexible and scholar-focused programme. But this achievement is about much more than technology.

Since 2022, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) have been working together to transform how Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are delivered. The Future State Programme aims to improve the scholar experience outcomes, strengthen provider partnerships and create better information and insights to support decision-making.

Manager of MFAT’s Scholarships Unit, Alexandra Grace, noted that achieving ‘Future State’ has been a long-held ambition under the Ministry’s partnership with ENZ.

“We’re closer than we’ve ever been and look forward to full design and implementation of Anamata.

“We thank all those who have got us to this point. Onwards to the final stretch!!”

The programme is also supporting a shift in how ENZ and providers work together. By combining technology, policy simplification and new ways of working, it is helping create stronger partnerships, increase our ability to measure the scholarship’s impact, drive more informed decision-making and enable more responsiveness to scholar requests.

ENZ’s Director – Scholarships, Carla Rey Vasquez said Manaaki is much more than a scholarships programme. 

“It’s one of New Zealand’s most important ways of building connections with partner countries and creating life-changing opportunities for future leaders across the Pacific and beyond. 

“That’s why Drop Two matters. While it’s a significant technology milestone, it’s really about giving ENZ and our providers better tools, information and ways of working to support scholars and support New Zealand’s international connections through education. 

It’s a great example of how people, policy and technology can come together to improve scholarship outcomes,” Carla said.

The successful launch of Drop Two reflects years of effort, resilience and collaboration from MFAT, ENZ’s Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships team, education providers and delivery partners. It has also been shaped by feedback from those who use the programme every day, reinforcing the importance of listening, learning and continuously improving.

While there is more work ahead, Drop Two is an important step towards a future Manaaki programme that is easier to deliver, better for providers and, most importantly, centred on the success of scholars.

For more information, email manaakichange@enz.govt.nz.