Jesse C.O.

About Me

Ko Jesse toku Ingoa, No Papioea ahoe, Ko Taranaki toku whakapapa, Ko Taranaki te Maunga, Ko Waitara te Awa, Ko Te Atiawa te iwi raua ko Taranaki te Iwi, Ko Ngati Hopoto te Hapu, Ko Parihaka te Marae raua ko Owae te Marae, Ko Aotea te Waka

I am from Manawatu, New Zealand. I have a background in design, having completed my Masters of Design Innovation degree, Majoring in Industrial Design at Victoria University of Wellington. I chose this field of study because I have always had an affinity for art, creating, and a curiosity for how things work.

My background

I am of Maori and European descent. My life has been influenced against a Taranaki backdrop. On my Father’s side I have large, but close whanau, we whakapapa back to Te Atiawa and Taranaki Iwi, our Marae are Parihaka and Owae respectively. My Mother’s side, also from Taranaki, was an influential part of my upbringing. Although my roots lie in Taranaki, I was born and raised in Palmerston North, where I grew up around many friends and family who have shaped me into the person I am today.

Ehara taku toa e te toa takitahi engari he toa takimano.

Awards, Scholarships and Grants

Paranihi Ki Waitotara Tertiary Education Grant 2018-2021

Taihonoa Grants 2018-2020

Taihonoa Maori Scholarship (DVC) 2019, 2021

Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa Tertiary Grant 2019

Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa Postgraduate Grant 2021

Te Kahui o Taranaki Iwi Tertiary Education Grant 2019-2021

Victoria University of Wellington Summer Scholarship 2019

Te Huawhiti Career Changer Scholarship 2025