The stars have aligned with the rescheduled Ngā Whetū o Matariki Awards 2020 now taking place this evening on Māori Television.
The awards, which were originally scheduled for Auckland last month with a live audience of 500, were postponed with the government’s announcement of Covid-19 alert level three.
With this limiting options for a traditional awards ceremony, Māori Television sent production crews to the homes and communities of finalists and observed them celebrating with friends and whānau.
A special two-hour broadcast with 27 finalists and 11 categories broadcasts on all Māori Television platforms at 7pm tonight, Saturday 19 September.
The finalists are:
Te Whetū Tārake o te Rangi Award - Acknowledging those who made an outstanding contribution to the community during COVID lockdown:
- Takahitia Korowira
- Otara COVID-19 CBNZ Response Team
- Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency
Te Whetū Maiangi Award for Young Achievers – inspirational rangatahi proactive in social and community situations, motivating and encouraging others:
- Jessie Smith (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāpuhi)
- Irihapeti Edwards (Ngāti Manawa, Ngapuhi, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Awa, Te Arawa)
- Jessica Rose Collins (Ngāti Porou)
Te Ururangi Award for Education – trailblazers making a significant contribution to the development of mātauranga Māori – Māori knowledge:
- Prof Dr Rangi Mātāmua (Ngāi Tūhoe)
- Āni Wainui (Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau-a-Apanui)
- Rawiri Wright (Te Arawa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Kahungunu)
Te Waipuna-ā-Rangi Award for Arts and Entertainment – creative professionals leading the way in literature, performing arts, media arts or visual arts:
- Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Manu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Haua)
- Chelsea Winstanley (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi)
- Shane Cotton (Ngāti Rangi, Ngāti Hine and Te Uri Taniwha)
Te Tupu-ā-Rangi Award for Health and Science – healthcare and science experts dedicated to improving the physical and mental wellbeing of New Zealanders:
- Lady Tureiti Moxon (Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāti Kahungunu, Kāi Tahu)
- Dr Lily Fraser (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Māmoe, Waitaha)
- Dr Matire Harwood (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Rangi, Te Mahurehure, Ngāti Hine)
Te Waitā Award for Sport – extraordinary men and women who are excelling in the sporting arena both at home and abroad:
- Kiwi Campbell (Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau A Apanui)
- Holly Robinson (Ngāi Tahu)
- Lindsay Tait (Te Rarawa)
Hiwa i te Rangi Award for Community – showcasing Māori groups and organisations that play a vital role in enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and environmental prosperity of their rohe (region):
- Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae
- S.O.U.L - Te Hapori o te Ihu o Mataaho
- VOYCE - Whakarongo Mai
Te Toi o Ngā Rangi - Lifetime Achievement Award – an individual who demonstrates exemplary achievements in his or her field as well as an outstanding commitment to Aotearoa – New Zealand.
Te Tupu-ā-Nuku Award for Business and Innovation – game changers in their field making an impact and driving our economy and society forward:
- Blanche Morrogh (Ngāti Kuri and Te Rarawa)
- Greg Summerton (Rākaihautū, Ngāi Tahu, Waitaha, Ngāti Māmoe)
- Pania Tyson-Nathan (Ngāti Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Kahungunu)
Te Waitī Award for Te Reo and Tikanga – individuals championing the revitalisation of the Māori language and culture:
- Hana O'Regan (Kāti Rakiāmoa, Kāti Ruahikihiki, Kāi Tūāhuriri, Kāti Waewae)
- Quinton Hita (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua, Taranaki)
- Hinewehi Mohi (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tūhoe)
Te Tohu Tiketike o Matariki Supreme Award – the overall winner selected from the finalists who demonstrate exemplary achievements in his or her field, as well as an outstanding commitment to Aotearoa – New Zealand.