AwanuiArangi awards Distinguished Fellowship to Adrienne von Tunzelmann
Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi (Awanuiārangi) has awarded a Distinguished Fellowship in Education to Adrienne von Tunzelmann at its annual graduation ceremony at Te Mānuka Tūtahi marae in Whakatane on 10 May.
In front of more than 220 graduands, their whanau and supporters, Awanuiārangi Council and staff, as well as notable guests, Adrienne was conferred the Distinguished Fellowship in Education by Council chairperson, the Hon. Justice Layne Harvey, and Distinguished Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith.
Justice Layne Harvey said that Awanuiārangi is honoured to acknowledge Adrienne and celebrate her lifetime of achievement through this award.
“Over many years of public and governance service, Adrienne’s contribution to community development has been significant and we congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.
“Adrienne was a long serving and well-respected member of Te Mana Whakahaere o Awanuiārangi (the Council of Te Whāre Wānanga o Awanuiārangi) from 2005 to 2019, providing important community perspectives and governance experience. Since 2019, she has been a highly valued independent adviser to Te Mana Whakahaere, and continues to serve on the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and the Joint Board with Te Puna Ora o Mataatua.
“On behalf of the Council, I would like to thank Adrienne for her almost 20-year service to Awanuiārangi. It’s particularly fitting that we acknowledge the important role she has played in shaping this institution as we send off our latest cohort of graduates with best wishes for the next steps in their journeys.”
Upon receiving her award, Adrienne said that it has been a tremendous privilege to support and serve the Wānanga.
“I am proud to have received this honour from such a prestigious institute of indigenous educational and academic excellence.
“Being of service to the Wānanga has been a privilege and a joy. I have gained far more than I could possibly give, and I am most certainly the richer for the opportunities offered me by my roles with the Awanuiārangi Council.
“One of my greatest rewards has been working alongside people passionately committed to scholarship, to advancing the interests of Māori and to the success of all their students. This is something I will always cherish.”
