Professor David Tipene-Leach Wins Mātauranga Award at Ngāti Kahungunu Mātauranga Awards
Last Thursday night, Professor David Tipene-Leach was honoured with the Mātauranga Award at the Ngāti Kahungunu Mātauranga Awards Dinner, a night filled with aroha, pride, and celebration. The event recognised Kotahitanga Iwi Champions—those who have made extraordinary contributions to mātauranga (knowledge) and education within Ngāti Kahungunu.
David stood among honoured recipients, including Marei Apatu, Mereana Pitman, Te Korou Whangataua, Evelyn Ratima, Ngatai Huata, Wairoa Taiwhenua Tai Awhi (Alternate Education), and Hayden Hape (Ngāti Kahungunu Tamaki nui a Rua Trust)—all acknowledged for their dedication to uplifting whānau, hapū, and iwi through knowledge and leadership.
Honouring a Lifetime of Mātauranga
Earlier in the evening, before the awards were presented, David gave the keynote address, where he spoke about the resilience of mātauranga Māori and the concept that we have never lost this ancestral knowledge, but have nimbly adapted to the new knowledge technologies over the years. Writing, recording and photography, media formats, computing and the internet, and social media and AI have all been eagerly embraced by Māori. The theme of this kōrero was ‘karetahi I mimiti te pūmanawa o ngā tīpuna i roto i a tātau’ (we have never lost the knowledge passed down over these generations’).
He then shared some personal stories from his own knowledge ‘journey,’ noting that the most important learnings are not academic and in general came from old people who are setting up the next generation to be knowledge keepers. His final words were about the Te Kura I Awarua Rangahau Māori Research Centre at EIT noting that we in the Ngāti Kahungunu world need to highly prioritise research in our the knowledge strategy of our next 25 year plan.
His kōrero was personal and profound, recognising the knowledge holders who came before him and the responsibility we all share in preserving and growing mātauranga for future generations.
As David finished speaking, our Te Kura i Awarua team stood together and performed Hei Ngākau Toa in his honour—a gesture of support, admiration, and whanaungatanga. For us, he is more than a leader; he is a mentor, a role model, and whānau.
A Special Honour from His Own Iwi
Later in the evening, as part of the award presentation, Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated Chairman Bayden Barber spoke about David’s many achievements, acknowledging his lifelong contributions to Māori health, research, and education. While he spoke, a photo slideshow played in the background, showcasing images from David’s career.
As David was invited onto the stage, the room erupted in applause as he made his way forward. With humour and humility, David joked that the audience had probably heard enough from him already, before briefly reflecting that while he has received many accolades, this one felt particularly special.
A Night of Aroha, Pride, and Celebration
Beyond the formalities, the night was alive with aroha and manaakitanga. Haka and waiata filled the air, honouring those who have dedicated their lives to Iwi and hapū.
Our Te Kura i Awarua team proudly attended in support, wearing jackets embroidered with our centre’s name. Our presence at the event reflected the strong kaupapa Māori research community David has helped build.
David’s award is also a celebration of the role of kaupapa Māori research in preserving and advancing mātauranga for future generations.
This award is a testament to his lifelong dedication, and we are incredibly proud to stand beside him on this journey.
Ka mau te wehi, David!
