June 13, 2023 – Te Hapori Matihiko proudly unveils the finalists for the highly anticipated Matihiko Awards, the first-ever event honouring Māori excellence in the digital and tech sector. The awards ceremony will be held on July 7, 2023, at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua.
"We are blown away by the tremendous response and the remarkable talent showcased in the nominations. The digital and tech industry has seen an incredible surge of innovation both within Aotearoa and on the global stage. These awards aim to recognise and celebrate the exceptional contributions made by Māori in this field," says Katie Brown, co-founder of Te Hapori Matihiko.
The Matihiko Awards will provide a platform to celebrate and honour Māori innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who have achieved success in the digital and tech sectors. The event will culminate in the Hākari celebration, where the winners will be announced and applauded for their contributions. Each of the 11 categories has two winners, a Totara (rangatira) and a Tipu (emergent leader) .
Lee Timutimu, co-founder of Te Hapori Matihiko, is excited for the potential for Māori in the industry, stating, "The Matihiko Awards serve as a testament to the incredible talent and ingenuity within the Māori community. It’s an opportunity to recognise their valuable contributions, inspire rangatahi, and encourage growth of Māori in the digital and tech industry."
The diverse range of accomplishments and innovations shown by the finalists for the Matihiko Awards showcases the depth of talent within the Māori digital and tech sector.
The Matihiko Awards finalists truly exemplify the remarkable work by Māori happening in the digital and tech sector across Aotearoa and internationally. We commend all nominees and finalists for their outstanding achievements and the positive impact they have on our industry.
For more information about the Matihiko Awards and Te Hapori Matihiko, please visit www.matihiko.nz
2023 Matihiko Awards Finalists and Winners:
There are 11 categories and two winners awarded in each category, a Totara (rangatira - leader) and a Tipu (emergent leader).
Living Icon and Emergent Icon
Aleisha Amohia, Catalyst IT
Maru Nihoniho, Metia Interactive
Taikawa Tamati-Elliffe, Ngāti Gaming - WINNER / EMERGENT ICON
Amber Taylor, Ara Journeys
Dr Warren Williams, Digital Taniwha
Robyn Kamira, Paua Interface - WINNER / LIVING ICON
Change Maker and Emergent Change Maker Award
(Sponsored by: Te Huarahi Tika Trust)
Jesse Armstrong, VAKA - WINNER / TIPU
Kaye Maree Dunn, MEA Limited
Raymond McKay, RUN Aotearoa
Naomi Manu, Auraki Group - WINNER / TŌTARA
Shanon O’Connor, Tōnui Collab
Amber Taylor, Ara Journeys
Kaupapa Award
(Sponsored by: The Spark Foundation)
Elle Archer, ELG
Owyn Aitken, Remojo Tech - WINNER / TIPU
Peter Lucas Jones, Te Hiku Media
Awhina Ngatuere, Toi Kai Rawa Trust / Ko Māui Hangarau
Veeshayne Patuwai, Mana Wāhine
Potaua Biasiny-Tule, DNA - WINNER / TŌTARA
Dr Warren Williams, Digital Taniwha
Te Kei o Te Waka Tainui - Te Pae Hononga
Rangatiratanga Award
(Sponsored by: Te Puni Kokiri)
Pera Barrett, Shoebox Christmas Aotearoa
Denise Carter Bennett, Datacom
Rahui Brownlee, KPMG - WINNER / TIPU
Kris Dempster-Rivett, Internet NZ / DECA - WINNER / TŌTARA (JOINT)
Raymond McKay, RUN Aotearoa
Phil Kupenga, Next Chapter Consulting WINNER / TŌTARA (JOINT)
Tewaiehu Savage, Kōtui Ako Virtual Learning Network Aotearoa
Potaua Biasiny-Tule, DNA
Whiua ki te Ao Award
(Sponsored by: Ngāti Toa Rangatira)
Mel Gollan, RIPA Global - WINNER / TŌTARA
Jordan Koziol-Repia, KIWA Digital / Voice Q
Peter-Lucas Jones, Te Hiku Media
Tuterangiwhiu Grant-Cairns, Online Reo Agency
Hohepa (Cory) McKenzie, Company-X
Kale Panoho, K&J Growth - WINNER / TIPU
Dylan Pahina, Altered State Machine
Kaitiaki o te Taiao Award
(Sponsored by: Aurecon)
Sara Smeath, Circlr - WINNER / TIPU
Michele Wilson & Samantha Veitch, ehoa app
Owyn Aitken, Remojo Tech
James Morrison, Weatherstation
Mel Gollan, RIPA Global - WINNER / TŌTARA
Public Sector Award
(Sponsored by: MBIE)
Kara Nepe-Apatu, Te Rau Hihiri
He Ara Poutama mō te reo Māori, Te Mātāwai, Te Taura Whiri, Ministry of Education, Kōtātā Insight, Nicholson Consulting - WINNER
Teresa Pollard, Te Pūkenga
Steve Renata, KIWA Digital
Kaiāwhina Award
(Sponsored by: InternetNZ)
Tina Clarke, Tolaga Bay Innovation Hub
Kris Dempster-Rivett, InternetNZ
Kaye Maree Dunn, MEA Limited - WINNER / TŌTARA
Tina Kaiawe, Te Kei o Te Waka Tainui - Te Pae Hononga - WINNER / TIPU
Hemi Ruka
Dougal Stott, Dev Academy Aotearoa
Charis Tutaki, Aurecon
Pakihi Award
(Sponsored by: Waikato-Tainui)
Madison Henry-Ryan, Māui Studios Aotearoa
Peke-Tupaea Manawaiti, Pou Digital
Hoani Matenga, HIWA Systems
Raymond McKay, RUN Aotearoa
Kale Panoho, K&J Growth - WINNER / TIPU
Steve Renata, KIWA Digital - WINNER / TŌTARA
Innovator and Emergent Innovator
(Sponsored by: Payments NZ)
Maru Nihoniho, Metia Interactive - WINNER / TŌTARA
Te Miringa Parkes, Ūkaipō
Amber Taylor, Ara Journeys - WINNER / TIPU
Hiria Te Rangi, Tuaiwi Labs
Michele Wilson & Samantha Veitch, ehoa app
Corporate Change
Rahui Brownlee, KPMG - WINNER / TIPU
Denise Carter Bennett, Datacom
Riki Hollings, Spark NZ | Kora Aotearoa
Rose Schwass, Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti - WINNER / TIPU
Megan Tapsell, ANZ - GM Enterprise & Pacific Technology
Dan Te Whenua Walker, Microsoft
Ernestynne Walsh, Nicholson Consulting
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Note to Editors:
About the Matihiko Awards: The awards, organised by Te Hapori Matihiko, celebrate Māori excellence in the digital and tech sector. These awards honour individuals and businesses who have made significant contributions to the industry, showcasing innovation, leadership and enterprise. The Matihiko Awards aim to inspire and encourage Māori participation and advancement in the digital and tech sector. The awards ceremony will take place on July 7, 2023, at the Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua.
The Matihiko Awards are supported by:
MBIE, Te Huarahi Tika Trust, The Spark Foundation, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Aurecon, InternetNZ, Waikato-Tainui, Te Puni Kōkiri, Māori Women’s Development Inc, Payments NZ, Māori IT, Māui Studios and Ariki Creative.
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