Cr Trevor Maxwell honoured for steadfast leadership

Rotorua Lakes Councillor Trevor Maxwell, CNZM, New Zealand’s longest-serving councillor, has been honoured at a special ceremony at his marae.

Cr Maxwell (Ngāti Rangiwewehi) received the Te Maruata Award for the Demonstration of Resilience and Steadfast Leadership.

It is awarded to individuals whose lifetime of service has left an enduring legacy for Local Government and Māori.

Te Maruata is the national committee of Māori elected members within Local Government New Zealand and works to strengthen Māori participation and representation.

The award was presented at Tarimano Marae, Awahou, at the beginning of a two-day conference in Rotorua.

Cr Maxwell was also presented with a wahaika, a carved wooden patu, named Te Manawa o Awahou, on behalf of Māori elected members from throughout New Zealand.

Cr Maxwell, a long-standing advocate for kapa haka, Māori arts and culture, said receiving the award at his marae made the occasion particularly meaningful.

“It was a wonderful gesture. To have the award presented to me at the beginning of the conference and at my home marae was very moving and special.”

Te Maruata co-chair Aubrey Ria said the award recognised Cr Maxwell’s longstanding contribution to Māori and local government.

She said she had got to know “Uncle Trev”, as he is affectionately known, through his involvement with kapa haka. His leadership and service had been felt throughout the wider community, extending well beyond the local government sector, she said.

The latest honour follows a lifetime service award presented to Cr Maxwell by Te Maruata last year.