Key Takeaways
- Eighteen Māori have been recognized for their services to Māori language, education, and community leadership across Aotearoa in the New Year Honours list.
- Professor Thomas Charles Roa has become a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori language and education.
- Other notable recipients include Rod Drury, Leith Pirika Comer, Rachel Emere Taulelei, and Professor Beverley-Anne Lawton, who have been recognized for their services to business, governance, education, and women’s health.
- The Minister for Māori Development, Tama Potaka, praises the recipients for their deep and enduring commitment to Māori advancement and community leadership.
Introduction to the New Year Honours List
The New Year Honours list has recognized eighteen Māori for their outstanding contributions to Māori language, education, and community leadership across Aotearoa. The Minister for Māori Development, Tama Potaka, has praised the recipients for their deep and enduring commitment to Māori advancement and community leadership. Potaka stated that he is inspired and motivated by the Māori leaders and people working in the iwi, hapū, and whānau space who are doing wonderful work in maintaining and uplifting Māori identity, traditions, and tikanga.
Recognizing Māori Leaders and Their Contributions
Among the notable recipients is Professor Thomas Charles Roa, who has become a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori language and education. Roa is a renowned Māori academic and a tireless advocate for te reo Māori. He is a founder of the Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori movement in the 1970s and has shaped Māori language revitalization and educational excellence. Roa expressed his gratitude for the recognition but emphasized that he should not be the only one honored, acknowledging the many people who have contributed to his journey.
Services to Māori Language, Education, and Community
Other recipients have been recognized for their services to Māori language, education, and community. Rod Drury has become a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business, the technology industry, and philanthropy. Leith Pirika Comer has become a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori, governance, and education. Rachel Emere Taulelei has become a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business, Māori, and governance. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to Māori advancement and community development.
Honoring Māori Leadership and Service
The New Year Honours list also recognizes Māori leadership and service in various fields. Christina Cowan has become an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori, particularly blind and low vision people. Te Warihi Kokowai Hetaraka has become an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and art. Waihoroi Paraone Hoterene has become an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and Māori language education. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have demonstrated a deep commitment to Māori community development.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the New Year Honours list has recognized eighteen Māori for their outstanding contributions to Māori language, education, and community leadership across Aotearoa. The recipients have demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and service to Māori advancement and community development. The Minister for Māori Development, Tama Potaka, has praised the recipients for their deep and enduring commitment to Māori advancement and community leadership. As Roa stated, "I see as far as I can see because I stand on the shoulders of giants." The recognition of these individuals is a testament to the importance of Māori language, education, and community leadership in Aotearoa.