The dance company that spreads Maori culture around the world has taken out the month of January for the 2017 Flaxmere Heroes Calendar.
Tama Huata founded the Kahurangi Maori Dance Company in 1983 and his daughter, Narelle Huata, said her dad would be so proud of what they had achieved.
"It is a real honour to be acknowledged as a hero. My dad lived in Flaxmere for about 15 years so we are carrying on his legacy."
The group was recognised by U-Turn Trust ambassador Henare O'Keefe for their hard work and dedication to dance in Flaxmere.
The company employs young Maori performers and graduates of the Takitumu Performing Arts School, which was the first tertiary institution in New Zealand to offer a degree in their traditional Maori performing arts.