One of Kāpiti Coast’s most celebrated cultural organisations won a prestigious award at the Cannes World Film Festival earlier this week.

Recognised in the Economic and Social Impact category, Māoriland’s win is a testament to the kaupapa-driven work the organisation champions from its homebase in Ōtaki.

Supported by Kāpiti Coast District Council’s Major Events Fund, the Māoriland Film Festival has grown into Aotearoa New Zealand’s premier international indigenous film festival, attracting thousands of attendees to the district every year.

Kāpiti Coast Deputy Mayor Lawrence Kirby says the Council is thrilled for Māoriland and their head of content Libby Hakaraia.

“Māoriland’s kaupapa is very much about the mana (essence) and manawa (heart) of its community, connecting indigenous creativity in our district, across the country, and globally,” says Cr Kirby.

“Beyond its annual film festival, Māoriland also host events, exhibitions and year-round educational programmes that foster youth creativity, supports Māori screen practitioners, and strengthens our local creative economy.

“What we already knew about Māoriland the rest of the world does now too.”

Kāpiti Coast Economic Kotahitanga Board Chair Neil MacKay says Libby Hakaraia has shone a light on the creativity at Māoriland Hub on the global stage.

“This well-deserved award is true recognition of Libby’s vision and perseverance and what has been built at Māoriland,” says Mr MacKay.

“Kāpiti has been listed in the Top 5 nationally on the Infometrics Creativity index, dubbing us as one of New Zealand’s creative centres. There is no mistaking that we have an abundance of creatives in our district and should take pride on this global achievement.”

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