Kiwa Award recognition for Heylie’s governance mahi

The Kiwa award is a new initiative recognising Māori and Pasifika whānau in leadership and governance roles. Funded by Wilberforce Foundation, a Christian charity, the Wairau presentation was just the third in the country after Palmerston North and Timaru/Oamaru.

Recognising and encouraging whānau into governance was a key driver of the award, Heylie says.

“The award highlights that a lot of our Māori and Pasifika sit at tables where they're not very recognised, you know, because we can be quite humble people. “

Heylie’s governance mahi is with the Harakeke Village Charitable Trust, which she helped start about three years ago in Wairau.

“We were running Pouāwhina to support Māori and our community that were a bit disconnected from who they are culturally. We've done quite a lot of things within the three years that we've been running.”

Getting the award was a surprise, Heylie said.

“I didn’t expect to get an award - I guess I haven't been in governance for a long time, I’m very new to it. There were people that were awarded that have been sitting at governance tables for many years, so I felt like a real baby.”

“It was just an honour to be able to sit in the same room at the same table with these people that have served for so long, you know, and to be a part of them being recognised too.“

“And we got to hear a lot about governance and leadership. Hearing other people’s experiences -  it was amazing to be in a space with all these wise people that have done much for their communities.”

Heylie said the event for presenting the awards was a real treat.

“We got very well looked after on the day,  we got lei, the certificate and a pūtea award, as well as a really nice three-course meal.”

There’s been a lot to learn along the way – so would Heylie encourage others into governance roles?

“Absolutely I would encourage others. If you're new to governance, definitely seek out mentoring and stuff like that. You can do your own research and teach yourself, but having others that you can talk to and learn from, who can guide you … to look up to. There’s a lot of legalistic stuff that's really important to get right.

“It's definitely worth it, especially if you have a vision and a heart to share for people in your community.”