Te Apa Māreikura Awards

Te Apa Māreikura Awards were launched in 2008 in memory of four kaumātua:

• Anne Delamere (Te Whānau-a- Apanui, Te Arawa),
• Bill Katene (Ngāti Toa Rangatira),
• Denis Simpson (Ngāti Awa, Tūhourangi) and
• Rongowhakaata Wirepa (Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau-a-Apanui, and Rongowhakaata.)

Each kaumātua made significant contributions to Māori health.

Today the Ministry of Health honours their memory through Te Apa Māreikura Tohu – awarding Māori students who demonstrate a strong connection and involvement with their communities, exceptional leadership skills and sound academic performance.

Te Apa Māreikura Tohu are worth $10,000 each.

Profiled here are the inaugural 2008 Te Apa Māreikura recipients, who speak of the impact the Ministry of Health’s financial investment had on them and their careers.