More than three decades of promoting use of Te Reo Māori has led to an award for language leadership for Cathy Dewes.

Dr Dewes is principal of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori ō Ruamata in Rotorua and chairs the national runanga of kura kaupapa.

She was also part of the group that started Māori language day in 1975.

In its annual awards, Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Māori also marked the 40th anniversary of the Māori Language Petition being presented to parliament by giving its highest community award to petition organisers Te Reo Māori Society and Ngā Tamatoa.

Other awards marked outstanding contributions to this year's Māori Language Week from organisations ranging from Westpac and Auckland Council to Kerikeri High School, Tokoroa High School and Te Puna Reo ō Puhi Kaiti.

Māori language commission chief executive Glenis Philip-Barbara says the judges were impressed by the diverse ways in which entrants contributed to the health and vitality of Te Reo Māori in their communities.

The commission is giving just over $1 million this year in grants to 47 community groups through its Ma Te Reo Fund, with almost half the money for 19 wānanga reo around the country.




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