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A body of scholarship and writing that has created new understanding of the way Māori and Pacific peoples interacted with Europeans has won Dame Anne Salmond the New Zealander of the Year title.
The Kiwibank-sponsored award aims to mark outstanding and inspirational service to the country.
Dame Anne, who is Distinguished Professor of Māori Studies and Anthropology at the University of Auckland, started her academic career with ground-breaking studies of hui and of the teachings of her mentors, Eruera and Amiria Stirling.
She has subsequently explored the history of first contacts between Māori and Europeans.
The local hero award went to Jim Morunga of Ngāpuhi, whose efforts with Ngāti Kapo has brought more support for the blind, including increasing the use of guide dogs by Māori and Pacific people.
He also coordinates the Kia Piki Te Ora Suicide Prevention Programme.
Other winners included Sustainable Coastlines Chief Executive Sam Judd in the youth category, Ian Grant as Senior New Zealander, and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren as the Community of the Year.
Copyright © 2013, Uma Broadcasting Ltd
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