2020 NWO Awards

Graham Tipene lives and breathes his art form. A renowned artist and Tā Moko exponent, his work can be found across Tāmaki Makaurau and indeed around the world. His commitment to developing the next generation of artists ensures Ngāti Whātua continue to be told.

Mark-James Royal is owner of one of the fastest growing, most successful fitness franchises in the world F45 – securing the sought after F45 Tāmaki location. Though his fitness business, Mark has helped over 100 whānau members of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei improve their health and fitness. His passion for helping people is reflected in the incredible growth and success of his business F45 Tāmaki.

For 21 years the Ngāti Whātua Volcanoes have served our hapū and whānau through the promotion of sports, recreation, social and cultural activities. Committee members of this group volunteer their time and energy to bring sporting opportunities to the descendants of Tuperiri, in particular those living on the Papakāinga.

Fiona Smith is a highly regarded member of the teaching faculty and Head of Te Reo Māori at Selwyn College. Her passion for excellence in Te Reo Māori, education and kapa haka continues to provide opportunities for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei students. Fiona epitomizes the highest level of excellence and success in education.

For more than a decade Mervyn Kerehoma has been a staunch Kaitiaki of our whenua. He has touched many lives, teaching hundreds of our rangatahi about the environment. His environmental work was recently recognised with his appointment to the Department of Conservation Board.

Dr William Martin is a forerunner in biomedical science and is our only Māori Cellular Immunologist. Dr. Martin warmly describes his kaupapa as doing science that is of priority to Māori health. He has recently been appointed as the first Director Māori Research, Science and Innovation at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. He is passionate about improving health outcomes for Māori and understands that incorporating Mātauranga Māori is pivotal in achieving this.

Steve is a kaumātua himself, and he gives selflessly of his time to ensuring that our kaumātua across Aotearoa are connected and engaged with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. During both COVID-19 lockdowns, Steve continued to support and contact our kaumātua across the motu to ensure they were safe.

Piripi Davis is an emerging leader for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. A Kaikōrero, Kaitito, Kaiwero, and Kaihaka, Piripi is a champion for the revitalisation of our language and culture. Through his waiata, Piripi has kept our narratives alive including the stories of our tupuna.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the fitness industry Cory Harriman has an impressive collection of achievements. His relentless dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of our tamariki and whānau through Waka Ama, coaching, nutrition, and fitness has benefited hundreds of hapū members.

With her confidence and kindness Maia Royal is a stunning example of achievement for our Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei rangatahi. Awarded Selwyn College Head Girl for 2021, Maia is the first in our iwi to hold this prestigious honour. Ko te ao kei te kapu o ō ringa e Maia.

Working round the clock, the collective efforts across the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Group saw the implementation of our most timely and in depth whānau support activities ever. The well-being, health and safety of our whānau remained a priority at all times. I hikina rawatia te manuka.