Kokiri 20 - Te Puni Kokiri

KAUPAPA MÄTUAHonorary doctoratefor Mäori languagepioneerA pioneer of Mäori language teaching and learningis being awarded an honorary doctorate from theUniversity of Waikato.Roka Paora QSM (Whänau-ä-Apanui) isnationally recognised as an expert and authorityin Mäori language, culture and history. Herexpertise in Te Reo saw her called upon to be atranslator, editor, researcher and composer, assessorand examiner, tutor and television adviser.Waikato University Vice-Chancellor Professor Roy Crawfordsays he feels privileged to be conferring an honorarydoctorate on Mrs Paora.“She has been a leader and teacher, and a carrier ofknowledge passed down to her by her Kaumatua, whichshe in turn has passed on to her students and herwider community,” Professor Crawford says.“Mrs Paora worked at Waikato Universityfor a time, going out of her way to helpstaff expand their knowledge of Mäorilanguage and literacy. Her research andwriting now informs their researchand teaching.”Mrs Paora had her honorarydoctorate conferred byChancellor Jim Bolger andProfessor Crawford.