The Marlborough Events Centre came alive with pride, aroha, and celebration as we gathered for the prestigious Tū Mai Rā Awards Dinner — a night dedicated to honouring the outstanding achievements and contributions of our Rangitāne whānau. We extend our warmest congratulations to our award recipients, whose mahi, passion, and leadership continue to uplift and inspire our iwi. Each honouree embodies the strength, resilience, and mana of Rangitāne.
Rangitāne Rangatahi Leadership Award: Jolie Sarginson (Rangitāne o Wairau)
Jolie has been a dedicated youth representative with Environment Canterbury Regional Council, championing youth voices in governance, conservation, and te ao Māori. She’s studying youth work and sustainability, driven by her upbringing, passions, and mahi — all of which shape her role as a powerful advocate and role model.
Services and Contributions to Rangitāne Iwi: Teriaki Tamaesse (Rangitāne o Tamaki nui-ā-Rua) Teriaki has grown as a reo Māori leader under the mentorship of Hakoro Manahi. Through hosting regular and ongoing reo Māori classes for whānau, hapū, iwi, and hapori, Teriaki strengthens language revitalisation and builds spaces for learning, connection, and cultural pride.
Rangitāne Sports Excellence & Achievements: Hoani Ifopo-Togia (Rangitāne o Wairau)
Hoani is an exceptional young athlete whose discipline, leadership, and humility shine both on and off the court. At just 17, he balances school with intense basketball commitments and has earned national and international recognition — including All-Star honours at the Basketball Without Borders Asia camp and MVP in Canterbury’s U23 league. He is also a Junior Tall Blacks squad member and Rams training squad selectee, Hoani’s success is grounded in his strong cultural identity and the support of his whānau and iwi.
Contribution to Arts: Tawaroa Kawana (Rangitāne o Wairarapa)
Tawaroa is a talented musician and performer with a growing legacy in Aotearoa’s music scene. From impressing Rachel Hunter on New Zealand’s Got Talent at 17, to performing with Maimoa and Stan Walker, his work spans original waiata, Māori song translations, and soundtracks like Mihi mai rā for Moana. He’s helped produce the Rangitāne o Wairau Waiata and represent Aotearoa at the Indigenous Songwriters Conference in Africa.
Rangitāne Leadership Award: Oriana Paewai (Rangitāne o Tamaki-nui-ā-Rua) Oriana has been a selfless leader and unwavering supporter of Rangitāne kaupapa over many years. Quietly passionate and always seeking the best for whānau katoa, her impact is felt in the strength and unity she helps foster. The person who nominated Oriana spoke with humility, a reflection of the deep respect she inspires in those around her.
Rangitāne Kaitiaki o te Taiao: Amber Craig (Rangitāne o Wairarapa)
Amber is a tireless advocate for the protection of wai and te taiao across the Wairarapa. Through submissions, research, and collaboration with iwi and policy makers, she champions mātauranga Māori solutions and upholds the mana of Rangitāne o Wairarapa. Amber designed the Te Ia Wairua, Hura Whenua, and Mātauranga a Hapū frameworks — empowering whānau voices in environmental decision-making. Her work reflects a deep commitment to restoring balance between people and place, and she continues to lead with vision, integrity, and aroha.
Outstanding Rangitāne Business: Earl Paewai (Rangitāne o Tamaki-nui-ā-Rua) Earl Paewai is a pioneer in livestock ultrasound scanning, founding Paewai Scanning Services when the practice was still new. With the support of his wife, he’s built a nationwide client base across Te Ika a Māui and Te Waipounamu. Earl is also a skilled farrier, serving farmers and equestrian events around the motu. Known for his initiative, he’s custom-built equipment and rebranded to Livestock Ultrasound Scanning, keeping his service high-quality and reliable. Earl now shares his knowledge with his daughter Tesni, ensuring the legacy continues.
Contribution to Māori Education: Te Matahiapo Hynes (Rangitāne o Wairau) Te Matahiapo has, voluntarily and off his own back, led an incredible programme of work to revitalise te reo Māori at Tuamātene Marae and in Wairau. His leadership reflects the heart of Rangitāne o Wairau’s aspirations, strengthening cultural identity, nurturing our language, and ensuring te reo Māori remains a living taonga within our whānau, hapū, and iwi. Through his generosity and dedication, he has embodied the principle of ahi kā — keeping the home fires burning through education, connection, and shared purpose. His selfless commitment has created spaces for our people to wānanga, kōrero, waiata, and learn together, continuing the intergenerational transmission of mātauranga that is vital to our iwi’s wellbeing and cultural strength.