SIT is pleased to announce that beginning in 2027, they will establish the Everest Murihiku Scholarship — a scholarship for an outstanding Nepalese student to undertake SIT’s Bachelor of Environmental Management programme.
With a total value estimated at $60,000 over three years, the scholarship will support a student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive contribution to their community and to environmental sustainability.
The scholarship was announced on 30th May at SIT Hansen Hall by SIT CEO Bharat Guha, with SIT International Manager Riza Ambadar and SIT Online Head of Faculty Dr Jacob Wood, during International Everest Day celebrations. Organised by the Southland Nepalese Society and Non-Resident Nepali Association New Zealand, around 250 people gathered to celebrate the day, made up of ethnic Nepali community members from Southland and Otago, other ethnic communities, local community members, guests, stakeholders, and invited speakers.
Guests included Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell, ILT Board Deputy President Suzanne Prentice, Great South CEO Chami Abeysinghe, Southland Multicultural Trust President Jo Wilson and Neill Rumble (Board of Trustees), and Everest summiteer Nungshi Malik.
The day showcased Nepali culture from performances - traditional dances, music, and costumes reflecting Nepali heritage, to food, with a community dinner featuring authentic Nepali cuisine. There were talks and presentations highlighting the Everest story and the Nepal-New Zealand connection, as well as a line-up of guest speakers.
International Everest Day was instigated in 2008 by the Government of Nepal - after Hillary’s death - to memorialise the historic first successful ascent of Mount Everest by the Norgay – Hillary team on 29th May 1953. It is observed internationally by mountaineers and the people of Nepal, especially the Kathmandu and Everest regions, to celebrate Everest the natural wonder, as well as the spirit of adventure and determination displayed by high-altitude mountaineers.
Hillary was deeply connected to Nepal; after his Everest achievement he returned to the mountains many times for a completely different reason: to give back to the isolated Sherpa communities of the Solukhumbu region. Founding the Himalayan Trust in 1960, his organisation built schools, hospitals, bridges and air strips, that saw Sherpa children educated, improved health outcomes and saved lives, and made the communities less remote and easier to reach.
Speaking to the audience, Mr Guha stated the Hillary – Norgay achievement was far more than a mountaineering milestone; it was a remarkable example of courage, determination, trust, and teamwork.
“Together, they showed the world what can be achieved when people from different backgrounds work towards a common goal. Their partnership is a lasting symbol of the friendship between Nepal and New Zealand.”
SIT was proud of the connection they have developed with Nepal; over recent years more than 500 Nepalese students have chosen SIT for their studies. “They have enriched our campuses with their knowledge, culture, resilience, and contribution to our diverse learning community.”
Mr Guha noted it was especially pleasing to see that a significant number of SIT’s Nepali graduates have chosen to make Southland their home, and their success here was a wonderful example of how education can create lasting connections between nations and communities.
“They have built careers, started businesses, raised families, and become valued members of our community. Their contribution has strengthened our workforce, supported local industries, and added to the cultural richness and diversity that makes Southland such a welcoming and vibrant region.”
Mr Guha stated the partnership between Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary remains as relevant today as it was 73 years ago. “Through education, cultural exchange, and mutual respect, we continue to build on that legacy.”
Details of the new scholarship will be available on SIT’s website later in the year.