Ako Aotearoa was proud to celebrate Richard Hope as the recipient of the 2025 Te Tohu Kaiako o Te Tau a Te Pirimia | Prime Minister’s Tertiary Educator of the Year award during the Te Whatu Kairangi Awards ceremony in Wellington.
Richard has been recognised for his exceptional contribution to vocational education and his innovative, inclusive approach to teaching automotive engineering. His work demonstrates a deep commitment to learner success, particularly for those facing barriers to education.
"I just really enjoy doing my job, so this is the biggest honour and it's totally unexpected." Said Richard after being awarded the Prime Minister's Educator of The Year.
After 25 years as an automotive mechanic, Richard transitioned into tertiary teaching in 2019. Since then, he has transformed his classroom into a supportive and empowering learning environment for ākonga of all backgrounds and abilities, from developing te reo Māori-translated automotive assessments, creating online resources that support deaf learners, to introducing the use of professional conversations as an assessment method. Richard’s teaching practice reflects what it truly means to be a kaiako (educator/teacher) who is invested in the outcomes of their learners.
In addition to the Prime Minister’s Educator of the Year Award, Richard also received a General Individual Award under the category of ‘Achieving diversity and inclusion for improving outcomes for: Māori learners; Pacific learners; neurodiverse learners; and/or learners with disabilities’.
"Richard’s vision and determination for inclusive education is inspiring. He’s shown what’s possible when barriers are removed and opportunities are created for every learner to thrive. His work is a true celebration of Ara’s values and our commitment to equity and excellence. We couldn’t be prouder of the impact Richard is making on learners and the learning environment at Ara.” Said Executive Director at Ara Institute of Canterbury, Darren Mitchell.
"Richard's profile was simply outstanding, he thoroughly deserves the Prime Minister's Educator of The Year" Said panel chair, Derek McCormack "his colleagues, student results and feedback all speak to how dedicated he is to learner success" Derek added.
Left to right: Ako Aotearoa Board co-chair Derek McCormack, 2025 Prime Minister's Award winner Richard Hope, 2024 Prime Minister's Award winner Kerry Davis and Ako Aotearoa Board co-chair Meegan Hall
Richard’s leadership and innovation embodies the spirit of the Te Whatu Kairangi Awards, which celebrate excellence in tertiary teaching across Aotearoa New Zealand. His recognition as the Prime Minister’s Educator of the Year is a testament to his vision, hard work, and unwavering dedication to creating accessible and meaningful learning opportunities for all.
"When I identify a learning barrier, I create and implement a strategy to overcome it."
Explore the full list of 2025 Te Whatu Kairangi Awardees and their inspiring stories
Ako Aotearoa is proud to have managed the Te Whatu Kairangi Aotearoa Tertiary Educator Awards on behalf of the Ministry of Education since 2007. Recognising and celebrating the outstanding teaching practice of tertiary kaiako has been a highlight of the organisation for many years. Ako Aotearoa wishes to acknowledge all those, past and present, who has received and been nominated for a Te Whatu Kairangi award and the impact they've made not only on their learners but on the future of Aotearoa.
