Te Whare Pukenga | Dr. Tūroa Royal

At the National Iwi Chair's Forum held at Kerikeri in early February, Iwi from around the country celebrated the life and contributions of Dr. Tūroa Kiniwe Royal CNZM. The Forum approved Dr. Royal’s Te Whare Pūkenga award in October 2023 but sadly he passed before he could be presented his award. His whānau travelled to Kerikeri to receive the award on his behalf.

Te Whare Pūkenga was established by the Iwi Chairs Forum in 2021 to recognise rangatira who have enhanced the lives of all whānau in Aotearoa through their activities. Specifically the award is given to those whose actions contribute significantly to the revitalisation of the Forum’s values including: Rangatiratanga, Whanaungatanga, Manaakitanga, Kaitiakitanga,

Tikanga and Pono. Te Whare Pūkenga is an honour that was conceived by, is managed by, and is completely funded by the Iwi that make up the National Iwi Chairs Forum.

Previous recipients have included Dr. Moana Jackson, Dr. Whatarangi Winiata, Dr. Wally Penetito, Hon. Dame Tariana Turia, DCNZM QSO, Dr Cathy Dewes, Norm Dewes & Linda Ngata. The Forum also acknowledged the contributions of Sir Hirini Moko Mead at their November 2023 meeting and will be attending a special celebration hosted by his iwi later this month in Whakatane.

Tūroa Kiniwe Royal was a Māori educationalist who dedicated his career to improving Māori educational achievement. He was also involved in innovating New Zealand education utilising aspects of Māori language and culture. He has been described as a ‘pioneer Māori educationalist’ and a ‘giant in Māori education’ .

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