15 September 2004

Nga Tohu Wiki Reo Maori Tuatahi 2004
Inaugural Maori Language Week Awards 2004

The Inaugural Maori Language Week Awards dinner was held in Wellington on 14 September 2004.  Television New Zealand’s Hone Edwards (pictured) accepted the Supreme Award on behalf of his organisation. The event was described as a great example of nation-building.

The awards recognised the creative ways organisations, schools, community groups, local bodies, libraries, businesses and media promoted the Maori language during Maori Language Week,  26 July – 1 August 2004. The Awards focused on activities during Maori Language Week so judges could compare efforts over a set period of time.

Two hundred guests, mostly from outside of Wellington, representing a cross section of Maori, Pakeha and Pacific Island communities attended the dinner. Minister of Maori Affairs Hon. Parekura Horomia opened proceedings. Hon. Georgina Te Heuheu and Stephen Franks were the other Members of Parliament in attendance. Radio and Television personality Kim Hill was another noteworthy guest. Matai Smith (Pukana) and Piripi Taylor (Korero Mai) were the Masters of Ceremony. Their services were sponsored by Cinco Cine Film Productions, who also sponsored the School Award. Whirimako Black provided entertainment.

More than 40 entries were received in the nine categories, presented to two judging panels. The first panel who judged the winners and place-getters in each of the categories included Wayne Ngata (Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori), Bobby Newson (Te Kahui Tika Tangata) and Peter Douglas (representing Te Puni Kokiri). The second panel judged the Supreme Award – the best of the best. This panel included Haami Piripi (Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori), Patsie Karauria (representing Te Puni Kokiri) and Holden Hohaia (representing Te Kahui Tika Tangata).

Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori organised the Awards with the support of many organisations and individuals. In particular, our thanks go to Betty Hauraki of Te Whakaruruhau o nga Reo Irirangi; Jenny Ralston, Brett Dumbleton and Craig Dunlop of JR Design; Te Puni Kokiri and Te Kahui Tika Tangata.

Sponsors of the Awards included Te Puni Kokiri, Ngai Tahu Seafood, Ma Te Reo, Cinco Cine Film Productions, Pronto Print, Te Mangai Paho, National Library, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori, Huia Publishers, Tohu Wines. Reed Publishers also provided some book.

It is envisaged that the Awards will be held annually on 14 September Maori Language Day. This day commemorates the landmark day in 1972, when a petition of 30,000 signatures was presented to parliament calling for the teaching of te reo Maori in all secondary schools.

Nga Toa o 2004
2004 Award Winners:

Te Tohu Tari Kawanatanga
Central Government Award
Te Tari Mahi - Department of Labour
Sponsored by Te Puni Kökiri

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

Te Tohu Hapori
Community Award
Te Whakaruruhau ki Otautahi – Christchurch Community House
Sponsored by Ma Te Reo

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

Te Tohu Ta
Print Award
Gisborne Herald
Sponsored by Pronto Print

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

Te Tohu Pouaka Whakaata
Television Award
Te Reo Tataki – Television New Zealand
Sponsored by Te Mangai Paho

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

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