Te Huirangi Waikerepuru facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Huirangi Waikerepuru
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Te Huirangi Waikerepuru
|
|
| Born | 1 April 1929 New Plymouth, New Zealand
|
| Died | 8 April 2020 (aged 91) Palmerston North, New Zealand
|
| Known for | Establishment of Māori-language broadcasting |
Huirangi Eruera Waikerepuru CNZM (born April 1, 1929 – died April 8, 2020) was a very important person in New Zealand. He was a Māori language champion and a leader for workers' rights. He belonged to the Taranaki and Ngāpuhi Māori tribes. Huirangi played a big role in setting up and guiding Māori language radio and television stations. He worked hard to make sure the Māori language was protected and used widely.
Contents
Huirangi Waikerepuru's Life and Work
Huirangi Waikerepuru was a key person in creating Ngā Kaiwhakapūmau i te Reo Māori. This group was also known as the Wellington Māori Language Board. Their main goal was to protect and promote the Māori language.
Making Māori an Official Language
In 1984, this board made an important request to the Waitangi Tribunal. The Waitangi Tribunal is a special court that looks at issues related to the Treaty of Waitangi. The board asked the Tribunal to make Māori an official language of New Zealand.
Two years later, in 1986, the Tribunal agreed with them. They said that the Māori language should be seen as a taonga, which means a precious treasure. This idea comes from Article II of the Treaty of Waitangi.
This recommendation led to a new law being passed. It was called the Māori Language Act 1987. This law officially made Māori an official language in New Zealand. It also created Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Māori, which is the Māori Language Commission. This commission helps to keep the Māori language alive and strong.
Starting Māori Radio
After this success, the board continued their work. In 1988, they started a Māori-language radio station called Te Upoko o te Ika. This radio station was very important. It helped to create modern Māori broadcasting in New Zealand. It meant more people could hear and use the Māori language every day.
Working for Education Staff
Huirangi Waikerepuru also had a long connection with the Tertiary Education Union. This union represents staff who work at universities and polytechnics. He worked with them for 30 years. This shows his dedication to supporting people in education.
Huirangi Waikerepuru passed away in Palmerston North on April 8, 2020. He was 91 years old.
Awards and Recognition
Huirangi Waikerepuru received several important awards for his work.
- In 1995, he was given an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Waikato. This is a special degree given to people who have made great contributions.
- In 2014, he was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This is a high honour given in the Queen's Birthday Honours. He received it for his amazing services to the Māori people and language.
