Source: University of Otago
Otago University student Harrison Chadwick, left, receives his Academic Award from Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Otago Business School, Professor Robin Gauld.
The Otago Business School’s Te Maea and Te Tai Tuarā Māori Commerce Students Association recently celebrated the various successes of Māori business students at its second-ever Māori Recognition Awards.
The event opened with a mihi by the Director of Te Maea, Associate Professor Katharina Ruckstuhl, before the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Otago Business School, Professor Robin Gauld, shared some words.
“What a wonderful, wonderful occasion and a real pleasure to be here,” Professor Gauld says.
“Well done to each of you for all you have achieved this past year and I also wanted to acknowledge the leadership each of you have shown in your own unique way.
“Today acknowledges those efforts and I look forward to celebrating with all of you.”
Otago University student Sean Roberton, left, receives his Academic Award from Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Otago Business School, Professor Robin Gauld.
Following this, Associate Professor Ruckstuhl shared a few words and reflected on all Te Maea had achieved since its inception at the start of this year.
“If you cast your minds back to February, considering how COVID dominated Dunedin was, its humbling to see how far we have come since then,” Associate Professor Ruckstuhl says.
She spoke about how Te Maea was created to advance collaborative and interdisciplinary research and teaching for, by and with Māori.
Their aim is to undertake relevant research and as the name ‘Te Maea’ suggests – develop the next generation of Māori business leaders. ‘Maea’ is used to describe the emergence of something great, fitting for the emerging Māori business leaders.
Otago University student Katelyn Loose, left, receives her Community Award from Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Otago Business School, Professor Robin Gauld.
This aim was shared by Kaya Hinemoa Tanoa-Kaivananga, the Te Pou-tūā-rongo (vice president) of Te Tai Tuarā, who also gave a brief speech on how their student activities had been working towards this.
She congratulated the award winners for “putting in the mahi and getting the treats” and thanked Te Maea for all their support.
“We have done heaps this year but our biggest achievement by far has been operating as a platform for Māori students to get involved and network, especially with our wider Pasifika whānau.” Kaya says.
After the updates, winners were awarded their certificates with brief insights into why they were receiving these awards being shared which revealed the vast array of academic, practical and cultural skills of the award winners.
Otago University student Owyn Aitken, left, receives his Research Award from Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Otago Business School, Professor Robin Gauld.
Heidi Renata, co-creator of the Konaki programme and Tauira Mentor, closed the ceremony with words of encouragement before a karakia and some celebratory kai.
“When I was growing up, I didn’t think I would do well at university because I was a chatterbox and so now it is such a privilege to be working with such a prestigious institution, especially alongside all of you that are sitting here today,” Ms Renata says.
“You all have a great role to play in the future of Aotearoa so keep going, we’re looking forward to seeing all that you do.”
Māori Recognition Award Winners:
Academic Achievements:
Sommer Young
Harrison Chadwick
Sean Roberton
Zion-Elijah Davis
Waiora Morris
Briar Evans
Lewis Houston
Gen Walker-Radich
Niwa Richard
Matti Danielson
Quinn Pooley
Leadership Achievements:
Dakoda Conroy
Kaya Tanoa-Kaivananga
Flynn Rosie
Community Achievements:
Dallin Lawrence
Danielle Alo
Georgia Cleaver
Katelyn Loose
Tawera-Turongo-Caius
Josh Clere
Trinity Richardson-Dann
Jacom Lawrence
Kayla Dew
Research Achievements:
Miranda Chetham
Owyn Aitken
Sporting Achievement:
Waiora Morris
Outreach Achievement:
Waiora Morris
Ka pai to all successful recipients!
– Kōrero by the Otago Business School Communications Adviser, Kelsey Schutte.
Te Maea: Māori and Indigenous Economy and Enterprise Network
Te Tai Tuarā
