Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Maori academic to receive distinguished alumni award

Updated at 7:23 pm on 22 February 2012

One of New Zealand's most influential Maori academics is one of six recipients of Auckland University's 2012 Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Ranginui Walker, 79, and a member of the Whakatohea iwi in Opotiki, studied at the university and was awarded his doctorate in 1970.

He is an Emeritus Professor at Auckland University having served as Professor of Maori Studies from 1993 to 1997 and the Maori Pro Vice Chancellor for two years.

Dr Walker is widely regarded as an advocate for Maori rights and social justice, and is the author of many books including Ka Whawhai Tonu Matou - Struggle Without End, which provided a Maori perspective to the history of New Zealand.

In 2007 he was awarded a Tohu o te Maramatanga Research Excellence Award and in 2009 he received the Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement in Non Fiction.

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