Immense legacy of Maori leadership

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That legacy was immense “both in terms of his sporting contributions, but more so the legacy of M ori leadership, wellbeing and development – rooted in kaupapa and m tauranga M ori methodologies,” the Prime Minister said.

“Throughout his life he has empowered and led others, expressing rangatiratanga from a position of personal integrity, humility and authority.

“It is for these reasons that we are honored to award the Exceptional Services to Sport Award to Dr Kara Puketapu.”

“In 1977, Kara was appointed Secretary of the M ori Affairs Department, which was to become the Ministry of M ori Affairs and later Te Puni K kiri.

“It was during this time that the T T ngata/ Stand Tall Kaupapa was launched which promoted the success of M ori standing tall within their culture.

“One of the most important initiatives to come out of T T ngata was the k hanga reo movement, which began at K kiri Pukeatua in Wainuiomata in 1982.

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He is “a formidable Te ri Awa Leader,” Mr Hipkins said.

Dr Puketapu was educated at Waiwhetu School and Wellington Technical College, where he was both Head Prefect and School Dux.

He then attended Victoria University, gaining a Bachelor of Arts in Geography.

“[Dr] Puketapu also rose in standing within his iwi, to become chairperson of the Te ti Awa Runanga.

“Between 1990 and 2009, [Dr] Puketapu was a claimant for the WAI 105 Treaty Claim and he was part of the negotiation team to assist with the Port Nicholson Block Treaty Claim.

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As a Harkness Fellow, he completed his Master’s study at the University of Chicago. A PhD in cultural anthropology followed, from the University of New Mexico.

“Returning to Aotearoa, Puketapu started his career at the State Services Commission, where he quickly rose through the ranks (including a role in 1975 as Manager of ‘the Computer Centre’),” Mr Hipkins said.