1 September 2004

Finalists announced for Inaugural Maori Language Week Awards 2004

Finalists in the very first Maori Language Week Awards were announced today, winners will be declared at a Gala Dinner in Wellington on 14 September.

In announcing the finalists the judges panel of Wayne Ngata (Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori, the Maori Language Commission), Bob Newson (Te Kahui Tika Tangata, Human Rights Commission) and Peter Douglas (representing Te Puni Kokiri) commended the efforts organisations had made in the presentation of their entries.

There were over 40 entries received and the judges said they were extremely impressed with the quality and diversity of the entries.

There are nine awards in total in five categories:

  1. Media - Television, Radio and Print
  2. Government - Central Government, Local Body
  3. Community and School
  4. Business
  5. Supreme Award - the best of the best

Te Taura Whiri Chief Executive Haami Piripi said the spread of entries throughout the country highlighted the success and reach of Maori Language Week held 26 July - 1 August, through the "Give it a go, Korero Maori" campaign.

"The 'Give it a go' theme seems to have struck a chord with New Zealanders and I want to congratulate all of those individuals and organisations who celebrated and promoted Maori Language."

Inaugural Maori Language Week Awards 2004 - Finalists


Award Category

Entrant Organisation

Entrant Name

Business Award

University of Canterbury - Te Whare Wanaka o Waitaha

Keela Atkinson, Kaitohutohu Maori

Business Award

Waikato Institute of Technology

Anna Carter, Public Relations Manager

Business Award

Diagnostic Medlab

Naomi Johnson, Human Resources Manager

Central Government

Inland Revenue Department

Dale Shelford, Inland Revenue Maori Language Coordination Group

Central Government

Department of Labour

Nicola Medway, Labour Inspector

Central Government

Work & Income, Ministry of Social Development

Kim Hippolite, Iwi Liaison Manager

Community

Te Whakaruruhau ki Otautahi

Helen Gatonyi, Chairperson Tenants' Trust Board

Community

Counselling Services Centre, Manukau City

Nicky Waihi, Client/Office Administrator

Community

Turning Point Trust

Arlene Foster, General Manager

Local Body

Auckland Regional Council, Iwi Relations Unit

Te Marino Lenihan

Local Body

Christchurch City Libraries

Haneta Pierce, Kaiwhakahaere Ratonga Maori

Media - Print

Gisborne Herald

Tina Karaitiana, Marketing Manager, Gisborne Herald

Media - Print

NiE (Newspapers in Education)

Lynne Robinson, NiE National Coordinator

Media - Print

The Daily News, Taranaki Newspapers

Donna Sullivan, Newspapers in Education Coordinator

Media - Radio

Te Hiku 94.4 FM

Dion Hobson, Station Manager

Media - Radio

Mai Media Limited

Vanessa Bidois, Communications Advisor

Media - Radio

Niu FM Radio Network

Jae'd Victor, Programme Director

Media - Television

Cinco Cine Film Productions

Matai Smith, Producer/Presenter

Media - Television

Television New Zealand

Hone Edwards, Kaihautu

Media - Television

Maori Television Service

Hone Paul, Marketing and Communications Assistant

School

Waikato Diocesan School

Renae Rakena, Teacher/Dean

School

Tokoroa East Primary School

Moengaroa Jones

School

Albany Primary School

Bille-Jean Potaka, Acting Assistant Principal

Special Mention

Business Award

Tokomaru Bay Four Square/ Te Ataarangi ki Tokomaru

Bruce Holm Proprietor & Kirimatao Paipa, Pouako



For further information about the Awards contact:

Lana Simmons-Donaldson
Communications Advisor
Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori
lana@tetaurawhiri.govt.nz
04 4716 724
0274 574 551