Te Rūnanganui and members of this September’s international Anglican Indigenous Leadership Initiative (AILI) gathered for an evening gala event on Saturday 30 September to recognise nine outstanding leaders at an inaugural AILI awards ceremony. 

Ven Ruihana Paenga, Archdeacon for Leadership for Te Pīhopatanga o Aotearoa said the awards were a way to embrace the kaupapa of AILI, as well as to celebrate the contribution of leaders across the whole of the Pīhopatanga as the 22nd session of Te Rūnanganui o Te Pīhopatanga o Aotearoa came to an end.

The awards also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the global contribution of two giants in theological education, Dr Jenny Te Paa Daniel and Prof Kwok Pui Lan.

The gala dinner kicked off the Saturday evening celebration with entertainment by Pereri King, who sang an original waiata that took its theme from Cyclone Gabrielle and its impact on the host region, as well as local kapa haka rōpu (started by Tama Huata), Te Kahurangi o Te Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitimu. 

“It is difficult to single people out [to honour in these awards] because there are so many people deserving of recognition for their many years of service to the hāhi.These individuals also expressed their ministry and leadership through their iwi and in many other ways." said Archdeacon Ruihana. 

"We wanted to celebrate and honour some exemplary servants, marking the beginning of a new journey for all who have been in wānanga over the week.” 

The AILI awards for 2023 recognised:

Dr Jenny Ta Paa Daniel – for her work as a world-recognised scholar who has contributed to indigenous theological education and the Anglican community for over twenty years. 

Professor Kwok Pui Lan – for her contribution as a globally-renowned scholar in the area of post-colonial and Asian feminist theology.

Sir Selwyn Parata - for his exemplary leadership as chair of Te Pīhopatanga o Aotearoa Trust Board, his outstanding iwi leadership and his significant contribution to te reo Māori and tikanga.

Ngahiwi Tomoana – for his outstanding leadership in Ngāti Kahungunu, his marae and whānau over many years.

The Venerable Lloyd Popata – for exemplary leadership among his Ngāti Kahu iwi, contribution of his expertise on whakapapa and tikanga and work with communities, especially with rangatahi.

The Venerable Wiremu Kaua – for his longstanding leadership in whānau and iwi over many decades and his significant leadership contribution to Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust.

The Reverend Bettina Maxwell – for outstanding leadership among Ngāi Tai iwi, Te Hāhi Mihinare and the Anglican Women’s Studies Council and her contribution to supporting vulnerable whānau especially young mothers.

The Venerable Mere Wallace – for her significant leadership across Te Waipounamu communities, especially amongst the marginalised, and her long standing contribution to the Māori Women’s Welfare League.

The Reverend Zhane Tahau Whelan – for his contribution to iwi leadership and his demonstration of strength and maturity far beyond his years during and after Cyclone Gabrielle.

Archbishop Don Tamihere wrapped up the awards ceremony by recalling for those gathered that the awards flowed on from the kaupapa of AILI that focused on nurturing, uplifting and acknowledging Anglican leadership in Indigenous communities.

“We hope these awards will continue in the years to come at future AILI [Anglican Indigenous Leadership Initiative] gatherings.”