Ambitious Aisha set to study robotics thanks to Cashin Scholarship

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Aisha Chataika’s impressive goals, both inside and outside of education, have wowed the Cashin family who have chosen the 20-year-old to be the Cashin Scholarship recipient for 2026.

The annual scholarship was set up to honour former Ryman director Michael Cashin who was a huge believer in the power of education to improve lives and is open to Ryman team members and their families.

Thanks to the NZ$10,000 award, Aisha is now looking forward to studying a bachelor’s degree in computer science at the University of Auckland with an eye on venturing into robotics in the medical sector.

“I can’t believe it, it’s so amazing!” says Aisha, the eldest of five, on hearing the news. “This will make such a difference to me and to my family.

“Finances can be a bit tough at times, so this will allow me to complete my studies without placing financial burden on my parents and be reassured that I can thrive and strive for the best without worrying about study debts or difficulty in affordability.”

Aisha’s journey to this point has not been without its challenges.

Born in Zimbabwe and later living in South Africa, Aisha faced the second half of her final year of high school alone after the rest of the family moved to New Zealand.

As she had been appointed Deputy Head Girl, Aisha and her family decided it would be best for her to complete her schooling there rather than face further disruption.

“I endured my final examinations with support from my family over video calls and messages.

“When I look back at it, I realise that is the exact character development I needed to become who I am today,” she says.

After joining her family here in New Zealand, Aisha had the idea to put her passion for coding, logic, and mathematics into something useful.

“I want to venture into robotics in the medical sector after the completion of my degree.

“I wasn’t gifted in the biology department however the coding and logic side of things are where I thrive best, hence why not save lives whilst I do what I love most?”

Not only is Aisha an impressive student, her extra-curricular activities are all geared to either self-improvement or helping others, something that did not escape the Cashin family when making their decision.

Laughter and smiles...

...for Aisha and her proud mum Heather

She is training for her first half-marathon, she is learning to drive, she has secured her first job in the hospitality sector and she serves as a youth leader in her church.

“All of these accomplishments tie up to who I am in totality. I have pushed myself a little extra each time and realised that I am capable of so much more than I give myself credit for.

“Being a youth leader allows me to be the big sister someone lost, or may not have, as well as giving the guidance I think would have been good for me to have as a teenager.”

Aisha says her hospitality role and also being the oldest sister of four siblings has taught her to have compassion and to treat people with kindness.

“I have to remind myself that everyone has a lot going on out there and maybe a person only experiences kindness and care through me that day, and that has changed my perspective a whole lot.”

Heather's colleagues celebrate the great news

The Cashin family recognised Aisha’s incredible drive and determination: “Through her application, she has shown immense dedication, tenacity and drive to achieve her goals, not only in education but outside of that as well.

“This is something I know Dad would have been impressed with.

“We would be honoured to award her this scholarship to help continue her studies and continue to thrive. Well done Aisha, and Heather, you should be super proud.”

Heather said it was emotional to hear that Aisha would receive such a huge financial boost towards her studies.

“I’m feeling incredibly proud of Aisha for her hard work, resilience and dedication that led to her receiving this scholarhip. I hope that this opportunity will open doors for her to achieve her dreams, continue excelling in her studies, and make a meaningful difference in the world,” Heather said.

Top photo: Aisha (middle) with her sister Alicia (left) and mum Heather (right).

by Maryvonne Gray | Dec 10, 2025