‘Life is about simplicity, sacrifice and service’ – supreme winner

MINITA a iwi, the Reverend Barney Winikerei, has won the Te Rangituataka Supreme Award at the Kawenata Awards.

Many other outstanding kaumātua, roopu and younger achievers were also acknowledged in the ceremony, held last Friday.

The awards and medals covered a range of areas from te reo, tikanga, media and the creative arts, to research, administration, emergency services and politics.

Several awards recognised whānau responsible for the extensive mahi involved in re-opening Mirumiru Marae at Marokopa after several years.

The presenters were Jenny May Clarkson and Paora Rauputu.

The “final and most auspicious” award, in the words of Jenny May, was the Te Rangituataka Supreme Award, a stand-alone award and the awards’ highest honour, which recognises outstanding performance in leadership, and wisdom.

Rāniera Winikerei shared his father’s whakaaro on winning the award.

King Country News asked for one brief piece of life advice from Reverend Barney – an example of the wisdom for which he won the award.

“Life is about simplicity, sacrifice and service,” Barney said.  

He explained what inspired his father to start life as a minister, and what drew him to that vocation.

“In the early years, Dad lived a reasonably simple life working as a farmer, sheep shearer and meat worker, until he was called by his old people to continue the family legacy of service,” Rāniera said.

“Dad is a third-generation minister of religion. His grandfather, Aihe Huirama, and father Roy Nguru Winikerei, were both ministers. He considers it an honour to serve the community for more than four decades.”

Winning the award had only been possible thanks to the support of others.

“Dad is humbled to have been acknowledged. His work would not be possible without the support of his whānau, tribe and wider community. This award is dedicated to you all,” he said.

The reverend brought the house down with his closing remarks – he joked that he would be running for president of the United States.

Among the many award and medal winners, Whaea Roimata Wīpaki won Te Mētara o Henare Matengaro Hetete for her lifetime of contribution, including upholding tikanga at Te Kūiti Pā.

Organisers Te Nehenehenui described the awards as a recognition of a highly significant event and document in Maniapoto hitori, as well as of the achievements of the individuals and groups recognised on the night.

“In 1903, Te Rangituataka, a great chief of the Mōkau district, called together, leaders, elders and young people of Ngāti Maniapoto to consider their future as a tribe within Te Nehenehenui.

“The great conference was held at Māhoenui from the 25th to the 28th of December 1903, to establish a Kawenata (or covenant), for the people and launched soon after on the 1st of January 1904.

“The Kawenata was developed as a structure to unite, maintain self-autonomy, customary practice and identity under fundamental principles. Due to the sociological factors of the 20th century, however, the Kawenata remained a scripted accord in the historical garret of the minority until it was reintroduced in recent years.  

“To further grow the awareness across multiple areas of the wider community and recognise the significance of both the Kawenata and the people for whom it was intended for, an annual awards ceremony is perceived essential.”

The awards were held at the Waitomo Homestead at Hangatiki.

Each year, they are open to affiliates of Ngāti Maniapoto me ōna hapū maha living locally and globally, and all nationalities residing within the Te Nehenehenui region.