Ahuriri Rangatahi Civic Awards Celebrate Emerging Young Māori Leaders

The inaugural Ahuriri Rangatahi Civic Awards were held at the Old Church in Meeanee on June 26, celebrating the leadership and resilience of young Māori across the Ahuriri region. Organised by Te Taiwhenua o Te Whanganui a Orotu, the ceremony took place alongside the Tū Tārake Matariki Ball to honour rangatahi who are actively shaping their communities. The initiative serves as a foundation for the development of a Kāhui Rangatahi, a youth council intended to guide community development in Napier. Five recipients were recognised for their specific contributions to the collective. Te Koha Burton, a researcher for Pakaru Pānui, received the Te Aumangea Award for exceptional resilience. Tamia Ngawhika, a team lead at Pakaru Pānui, was presented with the Manaakitanga Mai Award for her industrious service in uplifting whānau. The Kahui Kaumatua award was given to Cypris Brown-Te Ngahue of the MokoBoys for his dedicated care and companionship to local kaumātua, including providing free lawn-mowing services. Leadership in unity and cultural preservation were also central themes of the evening. Grayson Moana-Poi received the Te Manu Taiko Award for his efforts in fostering kotahitanga and building supportive networks among youth. Paul Watson, a youth worker at Toi Matarua, was honoured with the Te Reo Kia Award for his commitment to normalising te reo Māori in daily life. All recipients are members of the Toi Matarua rangatahi cohort and were mentored by Charlizza Matehe and Sarah Pihema. Te Taiwhenua o Te Whanganui a Orotu chairman Hōri Reti noted that the awards represent more than individual achievement, serving as a testament to collective identity. The recipients, most of whom hold whakapapa connections to the eight marae within the Ahuriri region, were nominated by their community in May. The event also featured guest speaker Te Kahukura Boynton, the founder of Māori Millionaire.