🎉 Celebrating 25 Years of Mana Pounamu: Honouring Rakatahi Māori Excellence
He tāoka, he koha, he kuru pounamu
This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate 25 years of acknowledging and uplifting the achievements of rakatahi Māori in Otago secondary schools. Since its inception in 2001, the Mana Pounamu Young Achievers’ Awards have stood as a testament to the strength, resilience, and excellence of our young leaders.
He tāonga, he koha, he kura pounamu
E te iwi e... tēnā tātou katoa. E rere kau ana ngā mihi maioha ki a koutou katoa, e noho motuhake nei i ngā kura puta noa i Ōtākou.
He tau motuhake tēnei – kei te whakanui mātou i te rua tekau mā rima tau o ngā Tohu Mana Pounamu!
We are delighted to announce that the annual Mana Pounamu Young Achievers' Awards celebration will be held on Friday, 27th June 2025. In harmony with the spirit of Matariki, the Māori New Year, this milestone occasion allows us a special moment to honour and uplift the achievements of our remarkable rakatahi Māori across Otago.
As we mark 25 years of celebrating excellence, leadership, and inspiration, we warmly invite nominations for those who exemplify the values of Mana Pounamu. We acknowledge and appreciate the tireless efforts of our kura and communities in nurturing and empowering our young Māori leaders on their educational journey.
Since the inaugural celebration initiated by the late Alva Kapa in 2001, Mana Pounamu has proudly highlighted the diverse achievements of rakatahi Māori, encouraging aspirations toward tertiary education and beyond. Mana Pounamu remains a proud Kāi Tahu kaupapa, supported by Kā Papatipu Rūnaka ki Arāiteuru, Otago Polytechnic, University of Otago, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Ministry of Education, and the Otago Daily Times.
📅 Awards Ceremony:
Date: Friday, 27th June 2025
Location: College of Education Auditorium. 145 Union St East, Dunedin
Time: 10am (Session 1), 2pm (Session 2)
We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you.
Nā te Komiti Kaiwhakahaere o Mana Pounamu 2025
How the Mana Pounamu 2025 Nomination Process Works
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