Matariki Living Taonga Awards – Celebrating Our Whanau

Matariki Living Taonga Awards – Celebrating Our Whanau

Nominations have opened for a prestigious, new set of awards designed to acknowledge some of the people making significant contributions to the quality of life in Hawke’s Bay.

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga is organising the inaugural Matariki Living Taonga Awards, and calling on the community of Ngati Kahungunu to nominate people who are leading by example through their work and activities.

The winners will receive their awards at a gala dinner to be held at the Hawke’s Bay Opera House in Hastings on June 16. Celebrated singer-songwriter and television producer Hinewehi Mohi, who has strong roots in the Bay, will be the MC and headline performer.

Nominations for the awards opened today (TUES 24/4), and will close on May 31.

Four independent judges will select three finalists in each of six categories:

• Papatuanuku Tohu: For work that nurtures and protects the environment
• Pou Kaimahi Tohu : Open to employers who uphold Maori values in their workplace for the benefit of their staff
• Ringahora Tohu: For an individual who has given time and support to improve the lives of others
• Maui Tohu: For exemplary acts of bravery or strength to help others
• Whataumanawa Tohu: For a person whose life or work has made a significant contribution to preserving traditional artforms and creativity to enrich the lives of others
• Matariki Tohu: To a person who promotes or uses Te Reo Maori as part of their everyday life

The chairman of Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga, Mike Paku, says the awards have been instigated to recognise role models within the Ngati Kahungunu community who do not necessarily have a high public profile or receive due recognition of the contribution they make to the quality of others’ lives.

The awards are to be held every three years.

Tickets for this year’s event are strictly limited and can be purchased from the taiwhenua’s headquarters in Heretaunga Park, Hastings.

ENDS

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