Ngarau Tarawa was founder and Chief Executive of Te Waka Pu Whenua, Māori Adult and Community Education Centre, Taumarunui. She is a passionate community educator who has also been involved with many adult education organisations, including as executive member of the National REAP Association and as a panel member of Community Learning Aotearoa.  

Ngarau’s passion for communities and learning has taken her to many places all over the world. In 2014, Ngarau, her husband Herewini and their son Spencer presented a workshop “Te Tira Kahurangi – Maori Perspectives, Practices and Procedures in Sudden Death Situations” at the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE) in Honolulu.

Ngarau was one of the founding members of Nga Kaumātua o Te Mauri Atawhai (1992), Taumarunui community networks, where representatives from key community organisations meet monthly. She lists as one of her highlights, creating and growing an annual event in Taumarunui, Te Huapae O Matariki with support of Kaumatua and raranga weavers.

In 2009 she was recognised for her extensive work in communities receiving the Insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and community education. 

This award recognises an ACE Aotearoa member for outstanding service in, and contribution to, the development of the ACE Sector.  It is intended to be a tribute for outstanding work in governance, policy development, training, administration, or a combination of these.

Click here to see the full list of 2023 ACE Annual Award recipients.