Every year, Te Whatu Kairangi celebrates outstanding tertiary educators who have excelled in supporting Māori learners.

Established in 2024, Te Tohu Reo Māori award is an important addition that recognises the practice of kaiako who teach te reo Māori. 

The award celebrates those who have worked relentlessly and successfully among whānau, teaching and learning institutions, and wider communities to teach, revitalise and normalise te reo Māori for future generations. 

Read about our Te Tohu Reo Māori awardees:

2025

• Haani Huata-Allen | Leadership & Culture, Kiriwhanake | Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

2024

• Hiria Tumoana | Te Ūranga Waka | Māori Studies, Eastern Institute of Technology - English
• Hiria Tumoana | Te Ūranga Waka | Māori Studies, Eastern Institute of Technology - Te reo Māori

Listen to Kaihautū Mātauranga Māori – Dr Joseph Te Rito talking to Radio Waatea about the new Te Tohu Reo Maori Award. English Audio | Te Reo Māori Audio

Pictured above left: 2025 Te Tohu Reo Māori award winner Haani Huata Allen and Ako Aotearoa Board co-chair Derek McCormack.