Professor Higgins was the first wahine to hold the role of Māori Language Commissioner and chair the Board of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori—Māori Language Commission, as well as the first wahine to hold the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori at Te Herenga Waka. She has been a member of the Waitangi Tribunal since 2013 and is a board member of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. She was also appointed a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand—Te Aparangi in 2021.  

“I do this mahi to ensure a brighter future for the reo and our mokopuna—not for the awards,” says Professor Higgins. “It was an honour to just be nominated alongside the other impressive women in my category.”

The citation for the award recognised her various chairing and leadership roles, including as a member of Te Hiwa, the senior leadership team at Te Herenga Waka. “Professor Higgins’ leadership has significantly influenced the cultural, social, and economic wellbeing of Māori and the wider Aotearoa community,” noted the award’s presenter.

Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bryony James, says, “Te Herenga Waka is fortunate to have Professor Rawinia Higgins as part of our leadership team. It was Rawinia who  gave the leadership team the name ‘Te Hiwa’, which we carry with pride, and in many ways it is her steady hand on that steering paddle that guides our connection with te reo and te ao Māori.

“Receiving the prestigious Women in Governance Award in the Māori governance category is exceptionally well-deserved recognition for a leader who embodies the calm, inclusive strength of Māori governance.”

Because Professor Higgins is currently overseas representing the University, Charisma Rangipunga, the Deputy Chair of the Board of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori accepted the award on her behalf.