Awards honour "Aunty" Takuwai Mason

Posted in: New Zealand Daily News
By GayNZ.com Daily News staff - 5th November 2010

A woman known as "Aunty" to many, who has been an active supporter of takatāpui for most of her life, was honoured at the Hui Takatāpui.

Takuwai Mason received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Takatāpui Awards in Wellington.

The Hui Takatāpui, the largest gathering of sexually and gender diverse Māori, concluded on Sunday after the glamorous awards evening at Te Papa.

The awards night acknowledged the important work of members of the takatāpui communities and their contribution to Aotearoa. The Awards, voted for by the public, were presented in several categories including Sport, Fashion and Design, and Lifetime Achievement.

Other recipients were: Eriata Peri, the Academic Award – Whaia Te Iti Kahurangi; Sidney Collier, Sports Award – Hakinakina; John Kingi, Youth Award – Rangatahi Tu Maia; Anika Moa, Music Award – Waihanga; Dale Ferries, Health Award – Hauora; Chanel Dvinci, Fashion Award – Nga Mahi Toi and The Manu Dolls for the Arts and Culture Award.

Hui participants

On the final day of the hui at Pipitea Marae, participants agreed on a series of mandates relating to the health and wellbeing of takatāpui and rangatahi in rural areas. There was also a focus on issues for transgender Māori, particularly whakawahine.

Hui Takatāpui 2010 focussed on the health and wellbeing of takatāpui and aimed to increase takatāpui support for HIV prevention as well as providing leadership and advice on issues for takatāpui. The Hui Takatāpui 2010 also provided opportunities for Māori to network, have fun, play sport and be entertained in a safe and supportive social environment.