Congratulations to our 2026 Mana Pounamu Tuakana and Teina Award recipients, Taituha Fowler (Year 13) and Keira Waitoa (Year 11).

A special acknowledgement to Taituha, who was also awarded a Te Reo Māori Scholarship paper, in addition to receiving a Māori Entrance Scholarship—an outstanding achievement.

We are incredibly proud of you both and the dedication, leadership, and excellence you continue to demonstrate.

This year marks 26 years of the Mana Pounamu Awards, celebrating and uplifting the achievements of rangatahi Māori in Otago secondary schools. We are grateful to Mana Pounamu for their ongoing support in recognising the success and potential of our young people.