This award was introduced in 2018 to acknowledge a physical educator as a guide for his or her community, a promoter of excellence in physical education, and a supporter of kaupapa Māori.  The concept was developed by Physical Education New Zealand Board member Nichola McCall and a Maori Advisory Group working alongside Dr Ihirangi Heke.

Recipients of this award represent the light that they bring to their communities so that they may ‘leap’ forward and engage with multiple ways of knowing physical education. Not surprisingly, it is a Māori worldview that light is connected with knowledge and through knowledge we ensure our people may be uplifted and survive. These award winners ensure that their communities will thrive by providing knowledge about the importance of Physical education, Te Ao Māori and the uplifting the mana of others.

In the period where Rangi and Papa were joined, their children were in various states: crawling, sitting and lying down cramped between their parents. Consequently, they became restless and curious of what might exist outside of their parents. Tane Pepeke was the name given to the atua that brought light to darkness through lying on his back and pushing up against the sky so that enlightenment might ensue.

Therefore, for the first-time light came in and a thirst for knowledge was begun. Tane Pepeke is also a connection to power as this was the first time the legs were used physically with the consequence that humans also began to run, jump and produce power.

• The nominee must be a 2023 Physical Education New Zealand Member.
• The nominees can be an individual or a group.
• Nominees can be Māori and/or Non Māori.

We have changed things up to make it as simple as possible. This year, all we require is:

• The nominee’s name, organisations, job title, and email.
• The nominator ‘s name, organisation, email, and their relation to the nominee. (ie How does the nominator’s know of the nominee’s achievements e.g., colleague, mentor, lecturer, senior teacher).
• 100 words about why you feel this department, school, kura deserve this award’ as well as
• A referee that we can contact to find out more.

When we phone the referee, we will be looking to find out information that fits into the following criteria:

1. Innovation – Describe how the nominee represents the light that they bring to their communities to leap forward and engage with multiple ways of knowing physical education.
2. Supporting others – Describe how the nominee provides knowledge about the importance of physical education, Te Ao Māori and uplifts the mana of others.
3. Te Ao Māori and physical education – Describe how the nominee initiates drive and interest, and their pursuit of excellence in physical education through Te Ao Māori.
4. Enriching learning and experiences for ākonga – Describe how the nominee has contributed or supported Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) being shared within their context to uplift those they work with and advance their understanding and appreciation for Te Ao Māori and physical education.