‘Ngā Whakawhiwhinga Kawenata’ – Kawenata Awards
Whakawaioha te ngākau aroha me te manawa tutuki!
Tēnā koutou, nominations for the Kawenata Awards 2025 are now open! You can now nominate your chosen iwi member who you think is deserving of recognition!
The biannual Kawenata Awards will be held on November 28, 2025 at 6pm at the Wintec, Hamilton campus.
Keep an eye out for tickets when they become available!
The Kawenata Awards are a prestigious biannual event that celebrates contribution and achievement across all sectors of Te Nehenehenui.
It is also the symbolic flagship of the 1904 Kawenata o Ngāti Maniapoto me ōna hapū maha, inaugurated at the Māhoenui residence of Te Rangituataka Tākerei on Friday, 1st January 1904.
The awards are open to affiliates of Ngāti Maniapoto me ōna hapū maha living locally and globally, and all nationalities residing within the Te Nehenehenui region since the 1st of December of the previous awards event.
- To submit a nomination, fill out the survey form.
Please complete and submit the Kawenata Awards Nominations Form by 4:00 pm on 17 October 2025.
Kawenata Awards 2025 Categories
Kawenata Awards 2025 are guided by the following values and categories:
- Aroha – Defined by individuals who are regarded considerate and respectful. These are individuals who contribute in meaningful ways and preserve dignity and integrity of oneself and others. Individuals can be nominated in the following sections:
- Security: Wardens, Mediation, Police
- Hospitality: Wharekai, Catering, Accommodation
- Community Services: Librarian, Museum, Information Centre, Society, Foodbank
- Charitable: Marae, Tribal, Religion, Community, Fire Service, St John
- Environment: Land, Ocean, Forest, Air
- Whakapono– Defined by individuals who are spirited and trustworthy. These are individuals who see beyond the present time and devote time and energy unconditionally. Individuals can be nominated in the following sections:
- Research: Genealogy, History, Taonga Preservation, Restoration
- Administration: Office, Tribal, Marae
- Science: Astronomy, Matariki, Meteorological
- Cultivation: Farming, Horticulture, Hydroponic, Organic
- Sport: Physical Activity, Inclusive Activity, Traditional Sport, Hunting, Fishing
Te Rangituataka Supreme Award
The Te Rangituataka Supreme Award is a stand-alone award and the Awards highest honour, which recognises outstanding performance in leadership.
Eligibility
The awards are open to affiliates of Ngāti Maniapoto me ōna hapū maha living locally and globally and all nationalities residing within the Te Nehenehenui region.
- Ture – Defined by individuals who can collaborate and navigate. These are individuals who generate relationships and remain honest and impartial always. Individuals can be nominated in the following sections:
- Business: Entrepreneur, Management, Trade
- Education: Kōhanga Reo, Early Learning, Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, Alternative
- Politics: Tribal Governance, Marae Governance, Local Governance, National Governance
- Wellness: General Practitioner, Health Provider, Hospital, Medical
- Emergency Services: Ambulance, Fire, Police, Earthquake, Tsunami, Search & Rescue
- Māoritanga – Defined by individuals who are dedicated practitioners in their field. These are individuals who maintain traditional and contemporary principles and personify their practises endlessly. Individuals can be nominated in the following sections:
- Creative Arts: Raranga, Whakairo, Visual Arts, Wearable, Photography, Film
- Ambassadorial: Te Reo, Tikanga, Legislation, Religion
- Te Reo: Marae, Home School, Workplace, Public Reo Speaking, On-air, On-Screen
- Tikanga: Marae, Home, School, Workplace
- Media & Journalism: Newspaper, Magazine, On-air, Online, On-screen
- Kotahitanga – Defined by individuals who are inclusive and fair minded. These are individuals who embrace all aspects of life and everything in it and consider the holistic wellbeing of the universe. Individuals can be nominated in the following sections:
- Events: Tribal, Urban, Rural, Community
- Performing Arts: Group or Individual, Hip Hop, Kapa Haka, Band
- Defence Force: Army, Navy, Airforce, Whare Tūtauā
- Innovation: Product, Process, Business Model
- Tribal Service: King Movement, Religion, Events, Negotiation
