Passionate kapa haka tutor Edward Te Moana, or “Matua Ed” to his students, was awarded the ASB As Good as Gold honour on TVNZ’s Seven Sharp last month.
Matua Ed (Tūhoe) has performed on the Te Matatini stage for Te Whānau-ā-Apanui and teaches kapa haka at Tauranga Intermediate.
He was awarded the accolade and the $10,000 prize money for his tireless dedication to the art of kapa haka and te reo Māori.
His young students recently took to the Te Mana Kuratahi primary school kapa haka competition in Nelson in November.
“I’m a man who is passionate about kapa haka, especially for kids. You see a lot, you hear a lot, and your feel a lot. The kids show happiness because they are proud,” Matua Ed said on Seven Sharp after receiving the recognition.
"I just want my students to know they are worthy, feel empowered and realise they can conquer anything at school, at home and in the community."
Ngā mihi nui ki a koe.
To watch Matua Ed receive his award, watch the story here: