02/06/2026
Koia ko koe Matua! 🫶🏽✨
Congratulations to Matua Mike Kawana, who has been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours.
This honour recognises Mike's nearly 25 years of service to the Wairarapa community, including his significant contribution to teaching te reo Māori and his dedication to supporting Māori and the wider community.
Since joining UCOL in 2018, Mike has enriched our Wairarapa campus and organisation through his leadership, knowledge, and passion for te reo Māori and te ao Māori. He has inspired countless ākonga and kaimahi, helping strengthen cultural understanding and connection across our communities.
This recognition reflects the lasting impact Mike has made in the Wairarapa and beyond.
We are incredibly proud to have Mike as part of the UCOL whānau and extend our heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved achievement.
Read more about Mike's award here
https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours/lists/kb2026-mnzm
Photo from left: Kaikookiri Te Mana Tauira (Wairarapa) Riki Anderson with Matua Mike Kawana, MNZM
