Salmond saluted for life of ‘trail-blazing’
Academic’s Blake medal celebrates work to improve intercultural understanding
Dame Anne Salmond’s lifelong work to improve “intercultural understanding” between Ma¯ori and Pa¯keha¯ has been recognised with the prestigious Blake medal.
Salmond — a leading social scientist, communicator, author and conservationist — received the award during the annual Blake Awards ceremony in Auckland last night, in honour of sailing legend Sir Peter Blake.
“Dame Anne Salmond is one New Zealand’s most outstanding leaders and trail-blazers,” said Blake chief executive James Gibson.
“Her lifelong study of Ma¯ori culture, and her efforts to improve intercultural understanding between Ma¯ori and Pa¯keha¯, has improved New Zealanders’ understanding of their own history.
“And her commitment to communicating the environmental challenges we face, including climate change, freshwater and ocean health, is a legacy we all benefit from.”
The ceremony also recognised six Blake Leaders in te reo Ma¯ori champion Scotty Morrison, young women’s advocate Fran McEwen, entrepreneur Michael Marr, indigenous rights advocate Dr Chris Tooley, student leader Benjamin Burrow and sailing and marine advocate Professor Mark Orams.
Salmond, who was Gisborne born and raised, has had a lifelong focus on te ao Ma¯ori, working with kuia and kauma¯tua and writing papers, reports and prize-winning books.
She’s conducted research and taught at the University of Auckland, where she is distinguished professor of anthropology and Ma¯ori studies, and in recent years turned her mind to conservation, establishing the Waikereru Ecosanctuary near Gisborne with husband Jeremy.
“There’s always unfinished business, and there’s always another adventure around the corner,” she said.
Rotorua-born Morrison has been committed to ensuring what was a fragile and endangered language was accessible, working to bring te reo into mainstream media, and common everyday use across Aotearoa.
Morrison, a broadcaster and presenter on a range of shows including Marae and Te Karere, is well known for giving his time and energy not only to those who are keen to learn te reo but those who feel disconnected from the language and culture, Ma¯ori and non-Ma¯ori.
He’s written numerous bestselling language guides and recently presented the series Origins, telling the stories of where Ma¯ori came from.
On leadership Morrison says: “I think you lead by your actions and you just put your work out there, and that’s how you lead.”
New Zealand had come a long way with te reo, but there was a long way to go, he said. He hoped to see te reo become the first language of choice for the majority of people.
“In three to four generations time, I’d love it to be part of the fabric in Aotearoa. That’s the dream.”
Orams, a “sailing professor”, had actually sailed with Blake, and was so inspired by his leadership style he wrote a book about it so others could learn from Blake’s example.
Orams’ love of sailing and surfing inspired a passion to protect the sea and its wildlife, and he has turned his career of international success in sailing into one of science and study — achievements that have also attracted international recognition.
In 2010, he co-founded and became chairman of the International Coastal and Marine Tourism, and he also serves on the Sustainability Commission for World Sailing.
In a time of rapid environmental deterioration that could start feeling overwhelming, Orams said it was youth that gave him hope for the future.
“It fills me with hope when I meet young people who don’t have that sort of cynicism that comes with age.
“They have this optimism of youth and looking forward, and a sense of ‘we can make a difference’.”