Award-winner Manga Tangaroa Aperahama-Kopa with his mum Clara and dad Manga. Photo / FNDC
Award-winner Manga Tangaroa Aperahama-Kopa with his mum Clara and dad Manga. Photo / FNDC
After an eight-year break, the Far North District Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award has returned to honour those selfless folk who make a lasting, positive impression on the district.
The winner of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award was Kaikohe youngster Manga Tangaroa Aperahama-Kopa.
He was bornwith a debilitating brain disorder and is unable to walk or talk.
Manga Tangaroa - affectionately known as “Mungzy” - was recognised for the aroha that follows in his wake and inspires a change in schools, clinicians, agencies and community services to better understand disabled Māori children.
He received the Far North District Council award at an emotional hui held in council chambers on December 23.
The council described Manga Tangaroa as a driving force for change in the Far North.
He inspired the Kaupapa Te Puna Reo o Manga Tangaroa - which was the first fully accessible, full-immersion Te Reo Māori early childhood learning centre that supports tamariki and their whānau to learn in Kaikohe.
Manga Tangaroa’s name was among the 11 nominations put forward for the award by Far North communities.
Manga Tangaroa Aperahama-Kopa, wife Clara and whānau after he was presented with the Far North District Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award for inspiring a change in schools, clinicians, agencies and community services to better understand disabled Māori children.
Manga Tangaroa was selected as the winner following a unanimous decision by the selection panel of elected members.
“While only one individual could be selected the winner for the 2025 award, that does not diminish the strength and tireless dedication of all other nominees named during the ceremony,” the Far North District Council said.
The council plans to hold more ceremonies to recognise the community champions.
This story has been updated to clarify that Manga Tangaroa Aperahama-Kopa, not his father as implied in an earlier version, was the award winner.
