The “man behind Matariki”, Professor Rangiānehu Matamua was named 2023 New Zealander of the Year Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa to a standing ovation from about 150 guests at an awards ceremony on Thursday night.
Matamua, 50, beat out a number of other 2023 finalists to take the award, including John Kirwan, the rugby legend and mental health advocate; Ruby Tui, the Black Ferns star and Rugby World Cup winner;
The award was presented to him by Prime Minister Chris Hipkins at Auckland’s Cordis Hotel.
Speaking to Stuff, Matamua said winning the award was “overwhelming and very special” to him.
Matamua said the country celebrating Matariki for the first time was the “proudest moment” of his life.
The annual accolade – which celebrates New Zealanders from all walks of life – was first awarded in 2010 to Sir Ray Avery.
Credit: stuff.co.nz
