Celebrating kaitiakitanga in action
The awards evening is a special occasion for finalists and their supporters to celebrate, be inspired and reflect on the amazing environmental mahi happening.
The sixth Whakamānawa ā Taiao - Environmental Awards celebration event was held in Waitangi with around 160 people in attendance.
The atmosphere was buzzing, with a room of full of dedicated, hardworking and passionate Northlanders who gathered together for a night of celebrating, sharing, networking and enjoying good kai!
Check out the livestream from the night on our Facebook channel
Check out images from the night
THE ARTIST BEHIND THE TROPHY
The beautiful trophies created especially for the 2025 Environmental Awards are by woodworker, Mike Paora. Mike, a Whangarei-based artist of Ngāti Hine and Ngāti Tūwharetoa descent, transforms salvaged timber into meaningful, sustainable art. With over 22 years in construction, he was driven by a desire to reduce waste and honour native woods. His handcrafted Environmental Awards trophies embody the principle of kaitiakitanga— guardianship, care, and responsibility for the natural world.
The trophy designs are rich in symbolism, with open spaces at the top representing an embrace, and central openings symbolising kaitiakitanga—the heart of each piece. Each trophy features unique embellishments and colours that reflect the spirit of its award. The Kiwi Coast award, with its rounded shape, symbolises that this mahi is never-ending — a continuous journey of protection and restoration. The Supreme Award includes intricate whakairo (carvings) by Tane Matiu, reflecting the gentle, flowing movement of a hue gliding through water — a tribute to both motion and tradition. This project was a true collaboration, with thanks to Simon Morling for his expert woodturning, Tane Matiu for his visionary carving, and Justin Murfitt for his beautifully crafted plinths—all united by a shared respect for te taiao.
MIKE PAORAPARTNERING WITH NORTHTEC
For several years Northland Regional Council have partnered with NorthTec, providing an opportunity for hospitality students to practice their culinary skills and front of house service at large events. Students have planned and prepared, cooked and served the beautiful food at the Environmental Awards celebrations to impeccable quality.
Hughie Blues and his team are also behind the amazing pest food creations served at NRC events that help to share the message behind why pest control is so important in Northland.
"It is always a truly great experience for our students to participate in these events and a real confidence boost. Being welcomed up on stage in front of such a large audience is a special way to be acknowledged and the students will remember it." - Hughie Blues - Cookery tutor
NORTHTEC - HOSPITALITYAWARDS BIG NIGHT OUT
The awards night is all about the individuals and groups that are making a difference to help Te Taitokerau thrive. It’s great to celebrate those who go above and beyond to protect, improve, and enhance our Northland environment. These are the people and organisations who are helping to ensure our unique and precious taonga are protected and enhanced for future generations.
Many of the entrants in attendance on the night have been doing inspiring mahi for decades and others are at the start of their journeys. Wherever you may be, we’d like to thank each of you for your outstanding work to protect our environmental taonga.
We simply can’t do it alone – and so this celebration is all about you, our Northland community and what you are collectively doing to help Taitokerau thrive.