14 September 2004

Television New Zealand shines at first ever Maori Language Week Awards


Te Reo Tataki (Television New Zealand) took the top prize, the Supreme Award, at the Inaugural Maori Language Week Awards held in Wellington tonight.

Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori (Maori Language Commission) Chief Executive Haami Piripi in presenting the Supreme Award paid tribute to the courage to the 1970's Maori language activists like Hana Jackson, without whom the Maori language may not be as strong as it is today.

"It is appropriate that we hold these Maori language awards today. Since 1972, 14 September has been recognised by Maori language advocates as Maori Language Day. Tonight we honour the activism that brought about the regeneration of te reo Maori and celebrate the efforts of many individuals and organisations throughout the country and overseas in promoting te reo Maori," Haami says.


Winners of the nine awards were:

Te Tohu Tari Kawanatanga (Central Government Award)
Te Tari Mahi - Department of Labour
Sponsored by Te Puni Kokiri

Media Contact: Belinda Howard, Communications Advisor, Wellington, Belinda.howard@dol.govt.nz 04 9154119

Te Tohu Mahi Pakihi (Business Award)
Te Whare Wanaka o Waitaha - Canterbury University
Sponsored by Ngai Tahu Seafood

Media contact: Keela Atkinson, Kaitohutohu Maori, Christchurch, keela.atkinson@canterbury.ac.nz 03 3642314

Te Tohu Hapori - (Community Award)
Te Whakaruruhau ki Otautahi - Christchurch Community House
Sponsored by Ma Te Reo

Media contact: Mike Asmussen, House Manager, Christchurch, cch@netaccess.co.nz 03 3653139

Te Tohu Kura - (School Award)
Albany School
Sponsored by Cinco Cine Film Productions

Media contact: Bille-Jean Potaka, Acting Assistant Principal, Albany, Auckland bjpotaka@albany.school.nz 09 415 9668

Te Tohu Ta - (Print Award)
Gisborne Herald
Sponsored by Pronto Print

Media contact: Tina Karaitiana, Marketing Manager, Gisborne Herald, Gisborne tina_karaitiana@gisborneherald.co.nz, 06 8690600

Te Tohu Reo Irirangi - (Radio Award)
Niu FM
Sponsored by Te Mangai Paho

Media contact: Sina Moore, Chief Executive Auckland, sina@niufm.com 09 3616656

Te Tohu Pouaka Whakaata - (Television Award)
Te Reo Tataki - Television New Zealand
Sponsored by Te Mangai Paho

Media contact: Donna Ross, Auckland, Donna.Ross@tvnz.co.nz 09 9167000

Te Tohu Kaunihera a-Rohe/Whare Pukapuka - (Library Award)
Nga Kete Wananga-o-Otautahi - Christchurch City Libraries
Sponsored by National Library

Media contact: Haneta Pierce, Kaiwhakahaere Ratonga Maori, Christchurch haneta.pierce@ccc.govt.nz

Te Tohu Rangatira - (Supreme Award)
Te Reo Tataki - Television New Zealand
Sponsored by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori

Media contact: Donna Ross, Auckland, Donna.Ross@tvnz.co.nz 09 9167000

For further information contact:

Lana Simmons-Donaldson
Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori
lana@tetaurawhiri.govt.nz
Tel: 04 4716 724

or visit www.korero.maori.nz