2023 Te Whatu Kairangi Awardees

Ako Aotearoa is delighted to share with you the eleven awardees for Te Whatu Kairangi 2023 – the Aotearoa Tertiary Educator Awards.

Te Whatu Kairangi Awardee Profiles 2023

Download Te Whatu Kairangi Programme 2023

Dr Ēnoka Murphy

Prime Minister’s Educator of the Year Award 2023

An outstanding te reo Māori advocate and educator, showcasing leadership and expertise in teaching, impacting academia and community, while embodying mātauranga Māori values.

"A rangatira for Te Ao Māori”

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This esteemed group drives kura kaupapa Māori and Mātauranga Māori, embodying community expertise and global Indigenous education leadership.

"World class educators honouring Te Tiriti"

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Filoi Genevieve Togiaso

Te Whatu Kairangi Award | Le Moana Mua

Exemplary educator using Pacific culture, reflection, and lived experiences to empower learners and drive educational change.

“Powerful educator and leader of Pacific learners”

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Vijay Pillay

Te Whatu Kairangi Award | Le Moana Mua

Dedicated Pacific healthcare tutor at New Zealand Skills and Education College, embodying a holistic teaching approach rooted in the Fonofale model to create a nurturing cultural environment for Pasific students' success.

"A phenomenal educator helping Pasific learners to dream big"

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Ara | Te Pūkenga – Awanui Collaboration

Te Whatu Kairangi Group Award

This collaboration improved pre-analytical technician training, enhancing staff skills, learner experiences, recruitment, and sector recognition.

"Educator/Industry partnership is an exemplar for others"

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CELS191 Teaching Team

Te Whatu Kairangi Group Award

This team shines in tertiary biology education, fostering inclusivity, supporting diverse needs, achieving student success, and nurturing future educators and diverse demonstrators.

"National leaders in tertiary biology education"

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Dr Anna High

Te Whatu Kairangi Award

A passionate mindfulness advocate in education, enhancing student wellbeing and achievement, creating an inclusive classroom, and sharing her expertise through publications and presentations for a lasting impact.

"Leading student health and wellbeing in law education"

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Professor Philippa Martin

Te Whatu Kairangi Award

Achieved inclusive transformation in male-dominated field, fostering equity via leadership, including Eng ME! mentoring, inspiring female students, and advocating engineering diversity.

"Transforming engineering education for student, institution and community benefit"

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Melanie Wall

Te Whatu Kairangi Award

Noted for innovative teaching, cultivating engagement through relational methods, leadership in curriculum, and promoting Māori knowledge, highlighting significant educational contributions.

"Relationships key for this innovative leader"

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Craig Goodhue

Te Whatu Kairangi Award

A dedicated vocational educator, prioritising next-gen leaders through comprehensive learning, promoting industry stability, supporting student growth, and providing personalised experiences.

"A jewel in the school’s crown"

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Associate Professor Kate Schick

Te Whatu Kairangi Award

Successfully transformed university into inclusive hub, fostering deep learning through relational pedagogy, 'micro-communities,' and support, earning recognition for transformative teaching.

“Inclusion and community at the heart of Kate’s practice”

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