A champion of reo revitalisation has been recognised by the Royal Society for her work in helping more New Zealanders learn the Māori language.
Last night Professor Rawinia Higgins won the Pou Aronui Award.
Her uncle - the renowned reo champion, the late Wharehuia Milroy, was the first recipient of the award sixteen years ago.
Professor Higgins led a review of the Māori Language Act released the report , Te Whare o te reo Mauriora, and saw key recommendations implmented by the government.
She told RNZ reporter Te Aniwa Hurihanganui it was a huge honour to follow in the footsteps of her whanāunga.
