Esteemed elder and a leader in the arduous battle to have the indigenous language and traditions of this land recognised, Dr Huirangi Eruera Waikerepuru has been awarded a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for his life long commitment to the preservation of Te Reo Māori and his efforts in seeking recognition for Te Reo Māori as an official language of this country.
Nestled at the southern base of Mount Taranaki is Pouakai, the homestead of elder Huirangi Waikerepuru and his family, Te Kāea reporter Amomai Pihama was recently invited into his home to talk about his Queen's honours award, but more so, the reason behind him receiving it which is his lifetime commitment to have the Māori language appropriately recognised.