Digital creators, a quiet trailblazer and beloved Nanny honoured at Ngā Tohu Reo Māori 2025
A vibrant spectrum of winners took centre stage at Ngā Tohu Reo Māori 2025, the annual Māori Language Awards held in Wellington tonight.
Hosted by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Commission), the event celebrates those carrying te reo Māori into the future.
“We are honoured to recognise those who lead, inspire, and carve out a future for te reo Māori,” says Chief Executive Ngahiwi Apanui-Barr. “Whether in sport, community or digital media - the winners remind us that the language only lives if we speak it, see it and hear it every day.”
Eight recipients were celebrated for their creativity, vision, and unwavering commitment to te reo Māori. Refreshed award categories centre on the internationally recognised pillars of language revitalisation. They recognise commitment to everyday use of te reo, development of vocabulary, leadership and inspiration.
Te Tohu Oranga Angitu (Lifetime Achievement) award went to Piripi Walker (Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga) whose work has quietly shaped the Māori language landscape. A founder of Te Upoko o te Ika, Wellington’s first Māori radio station, and secretary for Ngā Kaiwhakapūmau i te Reo Māori during the landmark Wai 11 claim, Piripi’s profound influence is woven through decades of language revitalisation.
“Piripi has guided historic change and empowered others to carry te reo forward,” says Ngahiwi. “His legacy reminds us that true leadership can be both humble and transformative.”
Te Tohu Tū Rangatira (Supreme Award) went to Lorraine ‘Nanny Lolo’ Pirihira Hale (Ngāti Awa) of Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Teko, who has devoted more than 40 years to her community. Representing Mātaatua–Tauranga Moana on the National Kōhanga Reo Trust Board, she has inspired generations to live and learn te reo Māori every day.
“This is a woman with mokopuna, whānau, and te reo at the heart of all she does — moving mountains so others can learn their language,” says Ngahiwi.
Other winners include Dr Hona Black, Aukaha News, Arataua Media, Auckland Transport, Hākinakina Rangatahi, and the translators of the innovative project Te Reo Māori ki Parī 2024 – the first-ever bilingual Olympic sporting glossary.
“Every winner and finalist reminds us that our language is alive, thriving, and deeply loved,” says Ngahiwi.
Te Taura Whiri acknowledges the support of Te Māngai Pāho, Whakaata Māori, Ministry of Education, Fonterra, Te Puni Kōkiri, Creative New Zealand, Te Matatini and Te Mātāwai.