Rereata Mākiha
Senior New Zealander of the Year
2022
Ryman Healthcare
Senior New Zealander of the Year
Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau
Rereata Mākiha
Rereata Mākiha (Ngapuhi/Te Arawa/Rangitane) has dedicated his life to Te Ao Māori, he is an innovator who finds new ways to pass on knowledge. A broadcaster and reporter from the early 1970s, he was instrumental in the revitalisation of te reo Māori and is a specialist in ancestral knowledge. A promoter of Mahi tiaki Taiao – environmental work – he has led in the revival of whare wananga teachings and traditional practices related to the environment. Recently Rereata has been active in building up knowledge of and use of the Maramataka – the Maori Lunar Calendar – working alongside others to teach its value in communities across Aotearoa.
Creating a legacy for tomorrow, these people have made a positive contribution to Aotearoa later in their life, following their careers in any service, sector or field. They are actively involved in making the world around them a better place.
Nominees of this Award must:
- Be over the age of 70, at the open of nominations on 24 July 2024.
- Have had significant impact in their senior years
- Be a role model for New Zealanders and highlight that change is possible at any age
- Meet Awards Conditions of Entry.
Judges will review each nominee using the following criteria:
- 10 points: OVERALL INSPIRATION:
Describe the person you are nominating and what they’ve done later in life to inspire you to nominate them as 2025 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau. - 10 points: PURPOSE:
Who benefits from the work, contribution, or influence of this person – and how? - 10 points: LEADERSHIP & SERVICE:
How does this person set a positive example of being a senior member of the community – showing potential for making change at any age. - 10 points: COMMITMENT:
Describe the commitment of time, risks, and challenges overcome to create an impact to this point (this may still be ongoing). What have they done that has gone above and beyond following their career, achievements, or service to create change and give back? - 10 points: PROVEN IMPACT:
How has this person clearly demonstrated a positive impact in their area of influence, particularly during their senior years? How has this been measured? - 10 points: LEGACY
How would winning this award impact this person’s legacy and their mahi (past or present)?
