As we gather to celebrate the second Matariki Taonga Awards. This initiative has been designed to recognise the hard work, integrity, and achievements of those who quietly contribute and to honour the role models within the Whakaraupo community.
On the 10th of July 2026, the awards evening will be held at Te Nukutai in Lyttelton, where we will celebrate those “stars” living among us. As the night sky lights up, we will acknowledge the shining people in our communities around Whakaraupo. This evening will not only mark the arrival of the Matariki star cluster to herald the Māori New Year but also provide us with the opportunity to reflect on and honour the achievements of our people—those who shine brightly in our midst. This award ceremony is presented and sponsored by the Lyttelton Harbour Business Association.
This is a time to acknowledge their efforts, their perseverance, and the remarkable contributions they have made to our communities. These people, through their actions, light the way forward for all of us. As we celebrate their accomplishments, we also look toward the future together.
Therefore, as we come together this evening, let us reflect on the bright stars among us and celebrate their successes, as they continue to inspire us all to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
The Awards are as follows:
Hiwa I te Rangi - Wawata Aspirations/Youth (under 25)
Tupu a Nuku - Matauranga Education
Tupu a Rangi - Te Tai Ao Environment
Waipunarangi - Manaakitanga Hospitality
Waiti - Auaha Innovation
Waita - Kotahitanga Solidarity
Ururangi - Mauri Toi Arts
Matariki - Te Mana Whakahaere The Supreme Award
Pohutukawa* - Wahitapu Tuturu
Hiwa I te Rangi Wawata Aspirations
Hiwa is the younger of the siblings. This award will recognise the young members of our community. Hiwa means vigorous growth in relation to the environment, it signifies the star to follow. This award is designed to seek the motivated young under 25 year old leaders in our community.
Tupu a Nuku Matauranga Education
The nourishment below the ground, which can tell us the wellbeing of our whenua. This award also represents geographical features such as Hills, Mountains, plains, and Valleys and Biodiversity, and how we share the knowledge, to educate others, while making a difference in the long-term health of our harbour basin.
Tupu a Rangi Te Tai Ao Environment
Tupu a Rangi is associated with everything that grows in the trees like fruit and berries, this award is for those that give back to our environment, as a collective or Individual. Once the seeds have been planted and nurtured, the abundance will benefit the next generation.
Waipunarangi Manaakitanga Hospitality
The Waipunarangi Award is inspired by the star Waipunarangi, which is associated with the pooling waters in the sky—symbolizing generosity, hospitality, and the act of giving without expectation. This award acknowledges an individual or group whose kindness, service, and community spirit have made Whakaraupō a truly special place to visit.
Waiti Auaha Innovation
This award recognizes Innovation and Business, which has evolved in our community. They may have used Te reo or Tikanga to move forward In the Community. The attributes may include an innovative approach and time Management while embracing new ideas. This award also shows services and delivery.
Waita Kotahitanga Solidarity
This award recognises collective actions and unity, which can bring people together regularly for a common cause, being a solid part of our community. We have had many long-standing clubs with results unseen by the wider community. We want to bring out those talents.
Ururangi Mauri Toi Arts
Ururangi is associated with the winds of the sky. The wind leaves patterns that we see. This award represents the Arts and those that entertain us and have stood out to us already, the person or group symbolise the essence of being inspired by the gifts from the heavens.
Matariki Te Mana Whakahaere The Supreme Award
This award recognises leadership, Mana, Compassion and Dignity. The one that Shines over the rest of us. This nominee is one who works in both worlds, building and implementing projects in our community. This nominee may work across a number of organisations in the community.
Pouhutakawa Wahi Tapu*
Pouhutakawa is associated with everything that has become extinct. This award is about how close parts of our community are to losing something precious.
*There will be no nominations for this award; it will be chosen by the panel.
All award winners will be selected by the panel, and their decision is final.