One of the best moments at Hui-a-tau is the presentation of the Robyn Hakopa Trophy & Meri Mygind – Wahina Toa Award. We are thrilled to present this year’s winners – Rayleen Hirini and Francis Leaf who have been acknowledged for their awesome mahi. Papaki kau ana ngā tai o mihi, o whakamānawa e pari nui ana ki a kourua.
Their nomination endorsements are reprinted below:
Robyn Hakopa Trophy 2025 – recipient Rayleen Hirini
Endorsement from Te Kunenga ki Purehuroa, Massey University
Rayleens innate people skills have made a wonderful impact on her Library team. Her can-do attitude and compassionate nature extend to our patrons, as they consistently go out of their way to connect with others and show genuine care.
She weaves Te Reo Māori naturally into everyday kōrero and encourage both colleagues and patrons to use Te Reo, regardless of their proficiency. Through warmth and gentle encouragement, she helps others overcome hesitation and gain confidence in speaking the language.
Her personal commitment to deepening their understanding of Te Reo and tikanga Māori is inspiring. She completed the Reo Rua course over 14 weeks while working full-time and continuing their voluntary role as a Māori Warden. Always eager to share their learnings, they regularly promote Māori cultural events, helping to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels part of the journey.
She also contributes actively to the Māori staff network across three campuses, the Wellington Māori Student Success team, and weekly karakia sessions. She played a key role in the success of Mahuru Māori over the past three years, inspiring staff and students to engage with Te Reo in meaningful and enjoyable ways. Her passion for Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Māori is truly infectious. Many colleagues have since enrolled in Te Reo courses and joined the Ngā Upoko Tukutuku project. We are incredibly proud of Rayleen and it is with great admiration that I recommend her for the Robin Hakopa Te Reo Māori award, in recognition of her outstanding commitment to the promotion and celebration of Te Reo Māori within our workplace and community. I would also like to endorse their nomination as they are a quiet supporter of their colleagues not only on the Wellington Campus but also across our other campuses. She is also there to lend a hand when needed at the marae on the Wellington Campus (Te Rau Karamu).
Mere Mygind Wahine Toa Award 2025- recipient Francis Leaf
Endorsement from Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau Auckland University of Technology
It is with great pride and admiration that I nominate this wāhine toa for this award, which recognises wahine Māori who demonstrate outstanding personal and professional commitment to Māori librarianship and information management within Te Rōpū Whakahau. She is a deeply respected member of Te Mātāpuna Library & Learning Services at Auckland University of Technology. Her contributions reach far beyond her formal role in the Collections Team. She is a cultural leader, a tireless advocate, and a pou of strength within the many communities she serves.
As kaikaranga for Ngā Wai o Horotiu Marae, she welcomes manuhiri with mana and warmth, ensuring that tikanga Māori is upheld in every ceremonial encounter. Her role in these rituals is not only representative, but also restorative, reaffirming the place of te ao Māori within our institutional life.
Her leadership in initiatives such as the return of PhD theses containing Māori data to their authors, in alignment with Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles, reflects her deep commitment to culturally grounded and ethical information practices. She also brings a vital cultural presence to university events, serving as kaiwaiata at doctoral inductions, research showcases, and student gatherings. Through orientations, graduations, and service fairs, she ensures that Māori identity is visible, valued, and celebrated—embodying the values of Te Aronui in every interaction. Her contributions extend to networks including Te Rōpū Whakahau, Teuepu, Women on Campus, Te Whare Waiora, and AUT Ngā Whānau Māori. Much of her cultural labour is unseen, yet it is foundational to our collective aspirations of Māori aspiration, presence and excellence.
This wāhine toa is a nurturing Māori Māmā and a steadfast leader whose influence is felt across generations. Her unwavering dedication, commitment, and quiet strength make her an exceptional nominee for this award.