Council Wins National Te Reo Māori Award

South Waikato District Council has come away with the Kaunihera ā-Rohe (Local Government) award at this year's Ngā Tohu Reo Māori Awards (National Te Reo Māori Awards).

"We are absolutely thrilled with this result and incredibly proud," commented Council's Chief Executive, Craig Hobbs. "Council would like to acknowledge Raukawa Charitable Trust, for not only the nomination they put forward on our behalf but for the guidance they continue to provide us on any and all te reo matters."

Council was nominated for its efforts towards strengthening the use of te reo Māori in our district over the past year. This included work such as the creation of our bilingual signs at our leisure facilities, our Waiata group, and the work towards demarcating sites of cultural significance to our mana whenua.

South Waikato came away with two more awards on the night, presented to Te Karaehe Kaumātua o Tīrau in the Hapori (Community), and Aaron Koopu in the Rangatahi (Youth).

"We extend our congratulations to all of the night's winners, but especially to our local winners," said Mayor Jenny Shattock. "It's exciting to see the South Waikato involved in the revitalisation of te reo in so many different areas, and we are very proud to be a part of that."

Council is excited to continue with this positive work and looks forward to seeing the use of te reo in our district go from strength to strength.

Poihaere and Wiremu Barrett of Te Karaehe Kaumātua o Tīrau were nominated in the Hapori category for their Tīrau Kaumātua Classes. These classes have provided a space for people to come together and listen, speak and learn under the auspices of te reo and tikanga Māori.

Aaron Koopu was nominated in the Rangatahi category for the contributions he makes to the Wharekura. Aaron is helping to shape our young men and women into positive role models for their marae, hapū, community and iwi.

ends words: 319