A Waikato woman scoops top honours at this year’s Te Amorangi National Māori Academic Awards for her educational commitment to her awa.

Carmen Kirkwood (Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Te Ata, Ngāti Tamaoho) was awarded the lifetime achievement award for spearheading resource management initiatives for the protection and restoration of the waters within the Waikato River and Manukau Harbour.

Te Puni Kōkiri supported the awards to celebrate the achievements of Māori doctoral graduates. This year 28 awards were presented to Māori who have excelled in education.