Three University of Waikato students studying in Tauranga are award winners after each being presented with an award as part of the Tauranga Moana region's 11th annual Adult Learners' Week awards.

University of Waikato's Tauranga students Adult Learners' Award presentation held at the Mayoral Chambers. Fae McIntosh, left, Kiri Diamond and Melissa Teirney.

Kiri Diamond received the Acorn Foundation Eva Trowbridge Scholarship of $3000. This award is given annually to a University of Waikato student who studies in Tauranga and who continues with their degree the following year.

Fellow student Melissa Teirney and Fae McIntosh each received University of Waikato Tauranga Alumni Adult Learner Scholarships of $500.

Communications advisor Millie Freeman says all three students were recognised for their enthusiasm and commitment to learning, inspiration to other students and contribution to the community.

'Kiri is halfway through a Bachelor of Social Sciences majoring in Psychology and Education Studies. She is relishing the opportunity to develop her future career, building on her skills and experience after many years involved with community health, education and sport.

'She has also served on the Board of Trustees for Tauranga Intermediate School and is currently a Maori adviser for Group Special Education, and for 3D Health Services in Tauranga. She is passionate about strengthening local communities and intends to continue working within the Tauranga Moana community upon graduating.”

Millie says Melissa has just completed her second year of a Bachelor of Teaching degree. She became passionate about teaching after travelling to Chile on a student exchange and then staying for 12 years.

'Not only did she become fluent in Spanish, she got a taste of the personal rewards that can be gained from teaching, having worked both as a Montessori pre-school teacher and English language teacher during her time there. She also contributed to not-for-profit community activities for disadvantaged children.”

Fae completed her final year of study towards a Bachelor of Social Work.

Millie says she first studied for a Diploma in Business Studies in 2003 and returned to study after many years working in a variety of fields, including horticulture, farming and school volunteer work.

'During her time at university she has taken on student representative roles, maintained consistently high grades and continued to support her full-time study with part-time work. She has three children and two grandchildren.”

The awards are held nationally from October 31 – November 4 and are an UNESCO initiative organised in more than 40 countries to celebrate achievements and contributions in adult learning.