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Arise Sir Toby.
Maoridom’s newest knight, Sir Noble Thomson Toby Curtis, was dubbed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit by Governor General Sir Jerry Mataparae in Auckland yesterday.
The investiture ceremony at Government House was followed by a celebration of the Ngati Pikiao kaumatua’s life and work at Te Mahurehure Marae.
Friends and former colleagues shared memories of his career, which started as a primary school teacher in 1963 and included leadership roles at Hato Petera College, Auckland College of Education and Auckland Institute of Technology.
Acknowledgement was also made of his community and tribal roles.
He says it was a chance to remember the many people who helped him on his journey.
"It was an honour that I thought always went to others. Never did I think I would be one of those others one day," Sir Toby says.
And in another honour from another royal, Sir Toby Curtis has been appointed to Tekau-Ma-Rua, the council of 12 rangatira from around the motu which has been set up to advise the Maori king on issues affecting Maori development.
Copyright © 2014, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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