Media Release/Pānui Pāpāho Waitangi Day 06 February 2013

Supreme Award Māori of the Year 2012 for Northland’s Caring GP

Kaitāia GP Lance O’Sullivan is awarded the supreme title Māori of the Year 2012.
It’s the second TVNZ Marae Investigates Māori of the Year Awards-Ngā Toa Whakaihuwaka celebrating Māori of the Year.

Dr O’Sullivan, who has spoken out numerous times in recent years to highlight the link between poverty and child health, is the second recipient of the award. Piri Weepu was the inaugural winner of the coveted title in 2011.

Ngā Toa Whakaihuwaka was broadcast on our national day in a one-hour live special celebrating Maori excellence and achievement on TV One today. A total of 27 finalists across nine diverse categories had been whittled down from 60 nominations for the awards, says Roihana Nuri, Producer. “This programme is about celebrating people, groups and organisations who have enhanced mana Māori in 2012 and the calibre of overall nominations was stunning.”

Master traditional waka navigator Hekenukumai Busby was recognised with a lifetime achievement award Te Tohu Hiranga for his dedication to matauranga Maori. Olympic gold medallist Lisa Carrington won the Sports award. Dr O’Sullivan also picked up the Health award to go with the supreme title of Maori of the Year 2012.

“We would like to congratulate the winners and all the finalists from across the nine diverse awards categories because it’s important for outstanding success to be recognised.”

Category Winners:

REO/TIKANGA
Dr Cathy Dewes

TOI-ARTS
Rawiri Paratene

MĀTAURANGA-EDUCATION
Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith

HAUORA-HEALTH
Dr Lance O’Sullivan
HĀKINAKINA-SPORT
Lisa Carrington

RATONGA HAPORI-COMMUNITY SERVICE
Dr Cindy Kiro

RANGATAHI-YOUTH
Kerikeri High School

TE AO HANGARAU-SCIENCE/INNOVATION/TECHNOLOGY
Kapenga M Trust
PAKIHI-BUSINESS
Te Awanui Huka Pak LTD

END

© Scoop Media