Kerry Davis, a Principal Lecturer in Nursing at Otago Polytechnic, and Hiria Tumoana, a Senior Lecturer for Te Ūranga Waka at Eastern Institute of Technology were announced as this year’s recipients of the Te Kaiako Ngātahi o te Tau a Te Pirimia | Prime Minister’s Joint Educator of the Year award. The presentation was made by Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills, who hosted the ceremony at Parliament last night (4th November).
The Te Whatu Kairangi Awards celebrate outstanding tertiary educators who are making a difference to learners, their whānau and communities. Ako Aotearoa manages the awards on behalf of the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills. The awards have grown to be the most well-recognised and respected tertiary education awards in New Zealand.
The 2024 awardees were announced on the 1st of October – 11 awards involving 16 educators across four award types (General, Le Moana Mua, Kaupapa Māori and the new Te Tohu Reo Māori).
In addition to the Prime Minister’s Educator of the Year award, Kerry also received the Te Whatu Kairangi General Award under the category of innovation in learning, teaching, and curriculum. Hiria is also the inaugural recipient of the Te Tohu Reo Māori Award introduced in 2024 to recognise educators who teach te reo Māori.
“Both Hiria and Kerry exemplify the highest standards in tertiary education. Their work, grounded in cultural respect, innovation, and a deep commitment to student success, inspires learners, colleagues, and communities alike,” says Te Whatu Kairangi Selection Panel Chair, Derek McCormack.
Hiria has dedicated over 40 years to revitalising and teaching te reo Māori, fostering a deep understanding of Māori identity and history among her students. She immerses them in Māori traditions through karakia (prayer), mōteatea (sung poetry), waiata (song), and interactive games, guiding them to explore core questions: Who are you? Where are you from? What will you leave behind?
She skilfully uses Māori stories, as well as the guidance and genealogy of the gods, to enrich her lessons and encourage students to contribute to discussions in te reo Māori. She often mixes generations together, enabling students to share skills, knowledge, and questions throughout the programme.
Hiria’s impact extends far beyond the classroom; her encouragement of students to embrace their own creativity and passion has profoundly influenced those who not only wish to learn te reo Māori but aspire for it to be their primary spoken language.
Kerry’s equally inspiring teaching has transformed nursing education over the past 30 years through her innovative, student-centred approach. She is passionate about making learning engaging, using narrative, poetry, and real-life simulations to bring theoretical content to life, transforming traditionally 'dry' theory courses into vibrant learning experiences.
She is dedicated to removing barriers to student success and incorporating Tikanga Māori into her curriculum. She has introduced concepts such as Rongoā Māori (traditional Māori healing practices) in medication safety lectures, Te ara whakapiri (whānau care) in palliative care training, and Mate wareware (the Māori perspective on dementia) to illustrate whakawhanaungatanga—the building of respectful, caring relationships—as a central theme in her teaching philosophy.
Kerry’s commitment to excellence was recognised in 2022 with the Otago Polytechnic Students’ Association (OPSA) Teaching Excellence Award. In 2023, she contributed to Otago Polytechnic’s reaccreditation for the Rainbow Tick, underscoring her dedication to inclusivity.
Ako Aotearoa Director Helen Lomax was thrilled to see the level of excellent teaching continue to rise with this year’s awardees:
“It’s wonderful to present the first ever te Tohu Reo Māori award this year and come together formally at Parliament to acknowledge all the awardees,” she says.
“Celebrating these outstanding tertiary educators is a highlight for us here at Ako Aotearoa and we’re looking forward to the 2025 round.”
The next Te Whatu Kairangi round will open in December 2024.
Learn more about the 2024 Te Whatu Kairangi cohort by reading their profiles.
