Mr Te Warihi Hetaraka, of Whangārei, ONZM for services to Māori and art
Mr Te Warihi Hetaraka (Ngāti Wai, Ngāpuhi, Tainui) has designed, carved and served as the overseeing Tohunga of wharenui on marae, including Te Tii Waitangi. He has been a tireless advocate for iwi Ngātiwai. He was an expert witness in several historic Waitangi Tribunal claims. He has revitalised Māori histories and narratives in places of local, national and international importance, including the Māori Select Committee Room in Parliament. He has held several leadership and governance positions, including founding Trustee of the Hihiaua Cultural Centre Trust, board member and kaumātua of the Whangārei Art Museum, kaumātua of the University of Auckland and the Northland Rugby Union, and a Trustee of Te Au Marie Trust. Mr Hetaraka is Advisor to Te Atamira o Te Taiwhenua within the Department of Internal Affairs.