Weaving knowledge across generations: Manu Kawana awarded Honorary Doctorate

Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University has awarded an Honorary Doctor of Education to respected kaumātua and cultural leader Manu Kawana, Rangitāne, Ngāti Te Au - Ngāti Raukawa, Te Arawa, in recognition of his outstanding service to Mãori cultural development and education.

Awarded at Massey’s Whakapōtaetanga Māori graduation ceremony in Palmerston North on Tuesday, Mr Kawana was at first stunned to receive the honour and spent some time reflecting on the many influential people who have guided him and the knowledge woven into his journey.

“I relaxed a bit once the whānau had all congratulated me. They are the ones who see what I do and it’s awesome to have them with me to celebrate,” Mr Kawana says

“I have many influencers, but two special wahine who helped weaved traditional practices and knowledge into my life really stand out. My Mother and Grandmother – both of who were expert weavers. They are truly inspirational. All my whānau are!”

Mr Kawana is widely recognised as a rangatira whose life’s work has been dedicated to uplifting Māori language, knowledge and identity, while strengthening understanding and relationships across communities.

Throughout his career, Mr Kawana has contributed to the full spectrum of Māori education: from Te Kōhanga Reo and Kura Kaupapa Māori, to secondary schooling, tertiary education and community-based learning environments.

He has played a foundational role in the development of Māori immersion pathways in the Manawatū and has supported national initiatives within the Playcentre movement, helping generations of tamariki and rangatahi to thrive through education grounded in tikanga and mātauranga Māori.

Distinguished Professor Graham Hingangaroa Smith from the Office of DVC Māori says that Mr Kawana has a long and valued association with Massey, where he holds the role of mana whenua kaumātua on the Manawatū campus.

“In this capacity, he has provided cultural leadership and guidance, supported Māori students and staff, led key ceremonial occasions including Māori graduation ceremonies and strengthened the university’s commitment to being Tiriti o Waitangi-led,” Professor Smith explains.

“His service has been characterised by generosity, humility and an unwavering commitment to the public good.”

Professor Smith explains that Mr Kawana is a tireless advocate for te reo Māori revitalisation and has led by example, sharing his knowledge generously across educational institutions and the wider community.

“He is also recognised nationally for his expertise in tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori, te reo Māori”. Mr Kawana has shared his knowledge and expertise on Te Maramataka Māori and Matariki for over 30 years which has helped encourage renewed interest in traditional astronomical and environmental knowledge.

Mr Kawana describes himself as ‘an arty type’ – he is an accomplished orator, composer, kapa haka exponent, master carver and cultural practitioner. As a respected kaumātua spokesperson for Rangitāne, he regularly represents his iwi at significant events and ceremonies across Aotearoa New Zealand, providing leadership grounded in rangatiratanga and care for others. He is also a director of Toiora Enterprises Ltd and serves on the Te Manawa Museum Collections Committee and Te Amorangi (The Māori Coalition Charitable Trust).