New Year 2025 Honours: Northland educator Dr Te Tuhi Robust made an ONZM

Dr Te Tuhi Robust has been recognised for services to Māori and education in the 2025 New Year Honours.

Being made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit is extra special for Northland Māori educator Dr Te Tuhi Robust.

Robust said being made an ONZM for services to Māori and education was “an honour”.

“My grandfather [Eru Moka Pou] received one, but I never thought I was the same ilk as him, or ever would be.

“It’s taking a bit of time to get used to it.”

Robust (Ngāpuhi Nui Tonu, Ngāti Porou) has been involved in the education sector for 50 years, specialising in Māori education and indigenous studies.

He has an extensive background in the review and audit of kaupapa Māori education services from preschool to tertiary level and has held senior positions within government and non-government agencies.

The 68-year-old, who lives near Kawakawa with his wife, Rosalind Simich, said he was “a bit stumped” to be included in the 2025 New Year Honours list.

“A lot of people who have contributed alongside me are just as, if not more, deserving,” he said.

Te Tuhi Robust was born in Kawakawa and raised in Kaikohe, attending local primary and secondary schools including Northland College.

He later attended North Shore Teachers' College in Auckland, and his early teaching years were spent at various schools in Auckland, where he also honed his interest in research and literacy.

Dr Te Tuhi Robust (right) at the opening of Top Energy’s $189 million geothermal power station at Ngawha.

Robust returned to Northland in the 1980s and was the principal of Motatau Bilingual School, Te Kura Reo Rua O Motatau. He has also taught at Northland College.

Through Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, the Māori Centre of Research Excellence, he had a vital role in bridging cultural gaps within tertiary institutions to create supportive environments for Māori scholars and students.

He collaborated with institutions such as the University of British Columbia in Canada to share knowledge and experiences on indigenous education internationally.

Robust has been actively involved in governance and management, contributing as a director, general manager, trustee and chairman for 14 private and iwi trusts in Auckland and Northland, covering education, health, land, forestry, papakāinga and community development.

As chairman of Te Parahirahi Ngāwha Waiariki Trust, Robust provided leadership for the refurbishment of the Te Waiariki Ngāwha Springs complex.

He was also a research historian for the 28th Māori Battalion Association (A Company).

Robust retired as associate professor Tai Tokerau at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi in 2019.

His numerous honours include the 2007 National Māori Academic Excellence Award and, in 2013, he was made an honorary fellow of New Zealand Tertiary College.

Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with roading, lifestyle, business, and animal welfare issues.