Te Matatini and NZQA recognise 2024 Te Ao Haka Top Scholar
Te Matatini Society Inc and NZQA recognised the academic achievements of Rotorua Girls’ High School student Mareikura Mahaki for achieving Te Ao Haka Top Scholar 2024
Following the Parliamentary Top Scholar Awards ceremony in Wellington, Te Matatini and NZQA hosted Mareikura and her whānau at an intimate event last night.
“The event was an opportunity to recognise Mareikura for her passion and academic dedication to te reo Māori and te ao Māori and formally give her the Te Hiranga - Te Ao Haka Top Scholar Award,” says Carl Ross, Te Manahautū | Chief Executive, Te Matatini.
The Te Hiranga Te Ao Haka Top Scholar Award recognises excellence in Māori performing arts through Te Ao Haka.
“Our partnership with NZQA has provided the perfect opportunity to support the development of rangatahi active in Te Ao Haka,” says Carl.
“NZQA values our continued partnership with Te Matatini and their support in celebrating ākonga excellence in Te Ao Haka. Mareikura’s outstanding achievement as Top Scholar for Te Ao Haka reflects not only her exceptional commitment, but also the support and dedication of her whānau, kaiako, and kura,” says Alex Bidois, Deputy Chief Executive Māori, NZQA.
Mareikura (Te Arawa, Ngai Tūhoe, Te Whānau a Apanui) views learning te reo Māori and understanding Te Ao Māori as vital to her schooling and acknowledges her whānau, iwi and kaiako in her achievements.
“As a recipient of our Te Hiranga Te Ao Haka Scholarship, we welcome Mareikura into our Te Matatini whānau and we look forward to seeing her become a future leader,” says Carl.
The sustainable future of te ao haka depends on developing effective leaders, specialists and communities who will ensure its continuation.
“By contributing to the development of our youth, it can help prepare them for tomorrow’s challenges, while sustaining a strong cultural identity that adds value to society.”
Mareikura is studying at the University of Waikato towards a Bachelor of Arts and we wish her all the very best in her academic endeavours.