Dr Reuben Collier appointed Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM)

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi is proud to celebrate the appointment of Dr Reuben Tūwhakahekeao Collier as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, recognising his significant and sustained contribution to Māori and education. 

An award-winning producer, Indigenous scholar and academic leader, Dr Collier has dedicated more than three decades to advancing mātauranga Māori, te reo Māori and tikanga Māori. His work spans kaupapa Māori scholarship, documentary practice, doctoral education and the protection of Māori histories for future generations. 

The honour reflects a career of service across tertiary education, Māori broadcasting and Indigenous research, alongside a deep commitment to strengthening Māori knowledge systems in Aotearoa. 

Dr Collier says the recognition acknowledges the enduring value of mātauranga Māori and its influence across education. 

“This honour recognises the value and importance of our educational practices, our knowledge systems and the many ways mātauranga Māori continues to shape teaching, research and student success,” Dr Collier said. 

Reflecting on his journey, Dr Collier highlights the breadth of his experience across education and creative practice. 

“It also acknowledges more than three decades of sustained service to te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and education, from my early years as a lecturer at the University of Waikato through to my current work with the School of Indigenous Graduate Studies at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, where I lead creative scholarship through doctoral supervision.” 

Across his career, Dr Collier has created, directed and contributed to a significant body of documentary, educational and archival work. Many of these works are now preserved in national and international archives, forming an important record of Māori knowledge, oral history, language and identity for future generations. 

At Awanuiārangi, his work continues to strengthen Māori research practice, grounded in lived experience, oral history, visual storytelling and tikanga Māori. 

“As an award-winning television producer, business owner and academic, I bring a perspective shaped by lived experience and creative practice,” he said. 

“That experience has helped me develop intellectual frameworks that support student success and open transformational pathways for Māori scholarship.” 

Dr Collier was first appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2017. His elevation to Companion recognises the breadth and depth of his contribution to Māori education, research and cultural memory. 

His service has also contributed to the preservation of Māori military history, including roles with the Ngārimu VC and 28th Māori Battalion Memorial Fund Board, and as Deputy Chair of the 28th Māori Battalion B Company History Trust. 

In 2025, he received the Pou Aronui Award from Royal Society Te Apārangi, recognising his distinguished service to the humanities. 

Dr Collier says the honour reflects a lifetime commitment to Māori advancement and education. 

“This honour points to years of deep passion for Māori success at the highest level,” he said. 

He acknowledges the wider community behind his work. 

“I also acknowledge the Sirs and Dames associated with our institution, and the passing of Sir Hirini Moko Mead, whose leadership has advanced mātauranga Māori across Aotearoa and beyond.” 

“It is received with humility and deep appreciation for the students, colleagues, scholars, whānau, iwi and communities who have shaped this journey,” he said. 

“At its heart, this recognition affirms the enduring importance of te reo Māori, Māori memory and Māori knowledge for future generations.”