Victoria University has honoured a prominent Wellington kaumatua with the most distinguished general award it can bestow.
Te Paekiomeka Ruha ONZM QSM is one of two recipients of the Hunter Fellowship, for efforts in advancing the university's strategic directions and interests.
She's been instrumental in supporting Maori language and cultural development in the Wellington region for the past 60 years.
Pae Ruha has been associated with education all her adult life, and spent some years heading the Correspondence School's Maori studies unit.
Her association with Victoria University has been through long-standing and continued support of the university's Te Herenga Waka marae, for over 25 years.
Victoria's Vice Chancellor Pat Walsh says he's delighted to be able to recognise the valuable contribution Pae Ruha has made to the university.
He says she's shared her profound knowledge and life experiences freely and generously with both staff and students.
Professor Walsh says her role as the university marae kaumatua has included judging the annual Maori language week debates and assessing students on marae etiquette and protocol.
Pae Ruha will be presented with her fellowship next week at a ceremony on the university campus.
