The Pou Herenga Tangata Award is an annual fund of $25,000 (consisting of five $5,000 awards) that aims to support rangatahi Māori to become our next generation of leaders. Successful recipients will either be rangatahi Māori (aged 16-24) who aspire to serve their community, or organisations that support rangatahi Māori to become leaders in their community.
Awardees will embody and promote the characteristics invoked by the term Pou Herenga Tangata; a pillar that binds people together, within their community, whānau, hapū or social group.
Applications have now closed for 2022
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In Te Ao Māori, rangatira are often extolled for their ability to bind people together. In this way, they are likened to a mooring post upon which many waka may tie their lines. Through their steadfast nature and values-driven actions, these pillars bring communities together.
This award recognises the contributions of Norm Dewes to Te Pūtea Whakatupu Trust, and to his community. These contributions have taken different forms throughout his close association with the Trust; as a founding Chair, a Trustee, and as a staunch advocate for Māori living the urban experience.
Matua Norm has, in his many decades of service to his community, embodied this award. The post to which people bind their mooring ropes, providing stability in unity.
The award’s core purpose is to support rangatahi Māori to deepen their connection and contribution to their community. Awardees must be either:
Rangatahi Māori (aged 16-24 years)
OR
Organisations that meet the following criteria:
To apply for this award, fill out the online application form below and supply the following documents:
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