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Abigail Dougherty / Stuff
Pania Newton in Ihumātao during the arrival of the Maori king. (File photo)
The group at the center of the fight for Ihumātao won big at the 2020 Matariki Awards.
ALMA (Save Our Unique Landscape) – Te Hapori o te Ihu o Mataaho received the Supreme Award from a series of finalists who have made a contribution to New Zealand.
Other recipients were Sir Tipene O’Regan and Lady Tureiti Moxon.
Māori Television has held the Ngā Whetū or Matariki Awards since 206 to celebrate and recognize the achievements of Maori throughout the country.
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While this year’s event was postponed due to Covid-19, organizers say the “stars lined up” to allow the award to take place during Maori Language Week.
Saturday night’s recipients join the ranks of the above, which include Noeline Taurua, Taika Waititi, Cliff Curtis, Mike King, Julian Dennison and Lisa Carrington.
Award winners:
The Art of Heaven Lifetime Achievement Award: Sir Stephen O’Regan
Matariki Supreme Award: ALMA – The Society of Jesus of Mataaho
Te Whetū Tārake o te Rangi Award, which recognizes those who made an outstanding contribution to the community during the Covid shutdown: Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency
Te Whetū Maiangi Award for Young Achievers, given to proactive inspiring rangatahi in social and community situations, who motivate and encourage others: Irihapeti Edwards.
Te Ururangi Award for Education, which recognizes pioneers who have made a significant contribution to the development of Maori knowledge: Professor Rangi Mātāmua.
Te Waipuna-ā-Rangi Award for Arts and Entertainment: Chelsea Winstanley (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi)
Health and Science Growth Award: Lady Tureiti Moxon.
Te Waitā Award for Sport: Lindsay Tait.
Hiwa i te Rangi Award for the community: ALMA – The Society of Jesus of Mataaho
Business Growth and Innovation Award: Pania Tyson-Nathan.
Te Waitī Award for Te Reo and Tikanga, given to a person who advocates for revitalizations of Maori language and culture: Quinton Hita.
