Queenstown entrants didn’t go home empty-handed when the resort recently hosted the Kuma Southern Māori Business Awards.
Among the winners was Karen Hattaway, whose hospo business Kama Queenstown, which included her recently-sold Blue Kanu restaurant, won the local council-sponsored Te Tohu Rangatira Whakahaere Leadership Award.
She’s pictured with her trophy with, from left, Kuma (Māori business network) board member Amber Bridgman, awards gala MC, Arrowtowner Cory Ratahi, Hattaway’s brother, Dean Meharna, and Queenstown mayor Glyn Lewers.
Hud Rapata, whose Hapori Akoranga company undertakes community projects, won the He Tohi Kōwhiri o te Whanui People’s Choice
Award.
A recent project was putting on his suicide awareness play, Toa.
A joint recipient of Te Tohu Tangata Tiriti Partnership Award was consultancy Kauati, run by Ailsa Cain and Gladys Henderson.
Two Queenstown project companies who received highly commended awards were consultancies Tuatahi Creatives and Kia Kaha
Chemist.
Local-based Kuma board member Karmela Rapata says the cultural events leading up to the awards were great drawcards for Māori and non-Māori alike.
This year’s awards theme centred on mātauranga – embodying the significance of Māori knowledge, wisdom and culture in business.
