This video captures discussions about the historical significance of Ngā Tama Toa, including their advocacy for the te reo Māori through a petition, reflections on past challenges, and efforts to promote and teach the language, culminating in gratitude towards those involved for their enduring impact.

About the speakers

Ngāhuia Te Awekōtuku

Te Arawa, Tūhoe, Waikato
Member of Ngā Tamatoa

Ngāhuia Te Awekotuku was born in Rotorua, and is of Te Arawa, Tūhoe, and Waikato. Her mother was of Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Rangiteaorere, and Ngāti Mahuta of Waikato; while her father was of Ngāti Whakaue of Te Arawa, and Tamakaimoana of Tūhoe. Her whāngai (adoptive) family were of Ngāti Whakaue. She also has Norwegian Saami and French-German ancestry.

Toro Waaka

Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāti Kahungunu
Member of Ngā Tamatoa

He is currently the Chair of Ngāti Pāhauwera Development Trust, Chair of Hawkes Bay Māori Tourism, Director of Ngāti Pāhauwera Commercial Development Limited, Chairperson of Māori Battalion D Company Research Committee and Co-Chair of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Regional Planning Committee. Toro and his wife Marion own Napier Prison Tours and Audiotourz.

Toro was appointed MNZM for services to Māori and the community due to his involvement in employment, community development, conservation and tourism initiatives over the past 45 years. Toro has worked for the Community Employment Group, Wairoa District Council, Department of Conservation, was a Fisheries Commissioner and CEO of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated. Toro was a member of the Section 30 Committee which was the entity prior to the Ngāti Pāhauwera Development Trust. He was a researcher and negotiator for the claim