Spectacular Inaugural Wellington Māori Cultural Society Haka Ora Awards

The Awards have been created to recognise the ongoing commitment made by those who have been quietly working behind the scenes within Te Whanganui a Tara rohe.

“Haka Ora is a special opportunity for the Wellington Māori Cultural Society to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions of our kaihaka in Te Whanganui-a-Tara,” said Hollie Pohatu, WMCS Mangai.

“Many of our kaihaka in Pōneke are not only performers but also dedicated tutors in our primary and secondary schools, as well as key members of our senior kapa haka teams. Haka Ora is our way of expressing deep appreciation for the, often thankless, mahi they do to uplift and strengthen kapa haka across our rohe.”

WMCS Chair Merlene Maxwell acknowledged those who led before as visionaries who gave their time, knowledge and expertise to the next generation. “Their legacy lives on in the next generation and the actions they make, the waiata they sing, and the haka they perform.

“Our vision at WMCS is to grow our capacity and capability together – it's about unity, kotahitanga and whakawhanaungatanga.”

As award recipients were announced the room erupted with applause, karanga, waiata and haka.

Reverend William (Bill) Charles Nathan, recipient of the Lifetime service and commitment to Kapa Haka within Te Whanganui a Tara award, said “it was an outstanding evening full of reminiscences, recognition, achievements and rewards for those who have been instrumental in the WMCS over the last 50 odd years. 

A time of reflection, and also great joy of what lies ahead on such a firm foundation and direction that the Society has achieved and moving towards. Congratulations to all and those that were recognised for their accomplishments over this period of time, nō reira, tēnā koutou katoa.”

Ginny Maxwell Te Matatini Pou Takawaenga for Te Whanganui a Tara said “it was an amazing night which everyone seemed to enjoy. There was so much love and admiration shown to all recipients which was the purpose of the evening.”

Recipients

In recognition for significant commitment & contributions to Te Ao Haka - Putiputi Reremoana Mackey.

In recognition for Lifetime service and commitment to Kapa Haka within Te Whanganui a Tara - Reverend William (Bill) Charles Nathan, Mere (Donas) Tonia Nathan, Hine Manuhiri Poa.

For Contribution & commitment towards Excellence in Senior Kapa Haka in Te Whanganui a Tara - Te Teira Davis, Wiremu Wehi, Merlene Maxwell.

In recognition for 50+ years of service & continued contribution to Kapa Haka in Te Whanganui a Tara - Michael Priest.

For Contribution & commitment towards Excellence in Secondary Kapa Haka in Te Whanganui a Tara - Kataraina Heeni Taepa-Matakātea, Beau Marokopa Wiremu Matakātea.

For Contribution & commitment towards Excellence in Secondary Kapa Haka in Te Awakairangi - Riana Atama-Adams.

For Contribution & commitment towards Excellence in Primary & Intermediate Kapa Haka in Te Whanganui a Tara - Te Rua Hiroti, Tayler Cassidy.

For Contribution & commitment towards Excellence in Primary & Intermediate Kapa Haka in Te Awakairangi - Putiputi Olsen, Taikaha Olsen.

For Service to Community Kapa Haka - Raelene Steward, Shareen Andrews, Liz Rahi, Savii Nua.

For Service and commitment to Intergenerational Kapa Haka in Te Whanganui a Tara - Tepora Priest.

For Haka based initiatives - Jono Belczacki.

For Service to Senior Competitive Kapa Haka in Te Whanganui a Tara - Petina Winiata.

Manaaki award For Dedication to Kaupapa Haka in Te Whanganui a Tara - Percy Williams, Kim Williams.

In recognition of Contribution and Service to The Wellington Māori Cultural Society - Hine Te Tana, Laures Park.