Pūkenga, Te Pua Wānanga ki te Ao Te Wananga o Waikato, The University of Waikato

"Ēnoka demonstrates an unfailing commitment in achieving the highest standards in the Māori language - for all"

Ēnoka Murphy applies a wealth of leadership and participation in Te Ao Māori to a teaching career that has spanned 25 years. He has worked in kohanga reo and in theatre, judged kapa haka and Manu Kōrero speech competitions and amongst other responsibilities has managed the STAR programme – a richness that augments a learner-centred Kaupapa Māori based teaching approach.

His preparedness, content knowledge and professionalism distinguish Ēnoka’s teaching. His learners say, “his depth of knowledge is outstanding and his work ethics are exceptional.” Ēnoka is a compassionate teacher with a long-held passion for te reo Māori and firm in his belief that, “students and teachers of the Māori language are allied in our desire for the total revitalisation of our language.”

Ēnoka believes that a language classroom should be noisy and enjoyable. His learners say, “his enthusiasm is infectious (as is his) sense of humour” and his colleagues are fulsome in their endorsement of his teaching, “Ēnoka is an excellent teacher. There is no one better at engaging and inspiring students learning the Māori language.”