Golf is a constant search for the perfect shot.
In Rotorua last week trying to find the quickest way around the golf course was New Year's honour recipient Professor James Wharehuia Milroy, competing in the 75th annual Maori Golf Tournament, held at Lake View and Arikikapakapa golf courses.
The Daily Post caught up with Professor Milroy who was recently made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the Maori Language. For the former Waikato University academic this has been his life work - to improve Maori education and ensure te reo survives and flourishes.
Professor Milroy said there were many people who played important roles in this drive. Through his childhood growing up in Ruatoki, near Whakatane, his mother and grandfather Takarua Tamarau - a notable Tuhoe leader - were hugely influential.
He went to Rotorua High School (now Rotorua Boys' High School) and has maintained a strong connection to Rotorua and Te Arawa, especially through his wife the late Marion Rongomaianiwaniwa Fabling (Niwa) who was of Ngati Whakaue and Ngati Kahungunu descent.