National Māori Academic Excellence Awards
Friday 9th April 2010
On Friday 9 April 2010 the Te Amorangi National Māori Academic Awards were held at Tūrangawaeawae Marae in Ngāruawāhia. The auspicious occasion celebrated those Māori who have ascended the pinnacle of education and who have recently graduated with their PhD's.
Twenty six recipients were acknowledged on the night. The most important and prestigious award for the evening, the Tohu Whakamaharatanga ki Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu was awarded to respected elder from Ngāti Raukawa ki te tonga and Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngarongo Iwikātea Nicholson.
All recipients hail from a variety of disciplines and diverse educational backgrounds. The hopes, dreams and desires of the recipients and their families and supporters is that the arduous journey that they undertook to complete their doctorates will benefit not only the immediate family but also the wider hapū and te iwi Māori as a whole. The valuable research gathered will serve to further enhance, develop and uplift Māori.
The genuine care given from the home people and organisers, the delicious food and rousing entertainment ensured all recipients and their friends and families had a much deserved fabulous night.
Pāwhiritia tēnei hei pānui i roto i Te Reo Māori