Finalists Selected for 2012 Matariki Living Taonga Awards

PRESS RELEASE

Finalists Selected for 2012 Matariki Living Taonga Awards

June 6, 2012

The inaugural Matariki Living Taonga Awards have uncovered more than a few hidden talents and unsung heroes in the community, says one of the organisers.

A strong field of nearly 50 nominations for this year’s awards has been whittled down to 14 finalists described by judges as being of “exceptional calibre”.

The awards, to be held every three years, have six categories of awards covering environmental work, selfless service, employment, courage and strength, creativity and use of Te Reo.

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga has instigated the awards as a way to recognise and acknowledge excellence in these aspects of life by ordinary people living and working within the Ngati Kahungunu area.
Taiwhenua chief executive Alayna Watene said the nominations had revealed hidden depths of talent in some communities, and a large number of unsung heroes contributing quietly to the quality of other people’s lives.

The four independent judges had had a tough job, she said.

“The judges commented that they were amazed by both the number of nominations, and the exceptional calibre of those nominated. Selecting just three finalists in each of the categories was a very difficult task.”

The recipients of this year’s Matariki Living Taonga Awards will be named and celebrated at a gala dinner to be held at the Hastings Assembly on Saturday, June 16. Celebrated singer-songwriter Hinewehi Mohi will be MC.

A limited number of tickets for the gala dinner are on sale at the taiwhenua headquarters in Heretaunga Park, Orchard Rd, Hastings.

LIST OF FINALISTS
Papatuanuku Award, for environmental work: Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Wananga Whare Tapere o Takitimu; Jenny Mauger; Peter Paku
Pou Kaimahi Award, for employers: Finalists to be announced at gala dinner
Ringahora Award, for selfless service: Pera Johnson; Hemi Panapa; Ruth Wong
Maui Award, for courage and strength: Tangiora Akuhata, Tata Wairukuruku Maere
Te Whakamanawa Award, for creativity: Aroha and Friends, Takaputai Walker.
Matariki Award, for use of Maori language in everyday life: Kotuku Tomoana, Orine Gillies, Jeremy Tatere MacLeod

ENDS

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