Northlanders honoured in 2018 Matariki Awards
Among Northlanders who were shining lights at the third annual Matariki Awards were Far North woman’s rugby superstar Portia Woodman, a heavy metal band, an actor, and a mental health advocate.
The 2018 Ma¯ori Television Matariki Awards held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum on Saturday celebrated outstanding Ma¯ori achievement. Actor Rachel House, who grew up in Whanga¯rei, was joint winner of Te Waipuna-a¯-Rangi Award for Entertainment.
Her resume includes stage, television and film, including Hollywood productions such as Taika Waititi’s Thor: Ragnarok and Disney’s smash hit Moana.
Ms House was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the performing arts in 2017. She shared Te Waipuna-a¯-Rangi Award with Professor Derek Lardelli, who also took the supreme Te Tohu Tikitiki o Matariki Award for his contributions to kapa haka, ta¯ moko artistry, revival of Ma¯ori art and its spiritual significance.
Ma¯ori Sportswoman of the Year and World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year Woodman — whose family is from Kaikohe — received the 2018 Te Waita¯ Award for Sport as part of world champion New Zealand’s Black Ferns.
Waipu-based metal band Alien Weaponry, comprising Henry De Jong, 18, Lewis De Jong, 16, and Ethan Trembath, 16, won Te Whetu¯ Maiangi Award for Young Achievers for their musical success over the last year.
Alien Weaponry released a debut album Tu¯ and have toured their te
Te Tupu-a¯-Rangi Award for Health and Science was presented to Waipu resident Mike King for his work in mental health awareness.
Established last year, Te Toi o¯ Nga¯ Rangi Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to five recipients for their commitment to te reo and tikanga — Sir Timoti Karetu, Dame Iritana Ta¯whiwhirangi, Dr Huirangi Waikerepuru, Professor Wharehuia Milroy and Professor Pou Temara.
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