March 31, 2023
Rangi Matāmua star act for NZer of the Year
Māori astronomy expert Rangi Matāmua from Ngai Tuhoe has been named 2022 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year.
Judges praised Professor Matāmua for pushing matauranga Māori to the forefront, helping connect people in Aotearoa with their shared whenua and wairua – and leading the formation of a national public holiday.
Through his scholarship, he has revolutionised the understanding of Māori astronomy, and in particular Matariki.
He has communicated his research in an accessible and engaging way, reaching both academic and non-academic audiences.
He’s the author of the bestselling book Matariki: The Star of the Year and the Living by the Stars web series and social media page.
Awards patron Miriama Kamo says Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa celebrate people who use their passion to make the country a better place, and Rangi Matāmua fits the bill.