18 Oct 2025 Iwi Radio Awards

The 2025 Iwi Radio Awards, held in Napier on 18/10/2025, brought together broadcasters, iwi leaders, funders, and supporters from across Aotearoa to celebrate excellence in Māori radio and digital media.

Chair Peter-Lucas Jones acknowledged hosts, Ngāti Kahungungu, and said the awards recognised the contribution of iwi radio stations to te reo Māori revitalisation, storytelling, and connection to their hāpori.

“Every finalist represents a heartbeat in our collective story. For over three decades, Iwi Radio continues to lead the way in platforming authentic Māori voices, news and views from te ao Māori,” he said.

A highlight of the evening was Tūmeke FM, who retained the Station of the Year award — an accolade they also received in 2018, the last time the awards were held. The event also paid tribute to four outstanding individuals who have made a lifelong contribution to Māori broadcasting: Professor Margaret Mutu (Te Hiku Media), Justice Layne Harvey (Tūmeke FM), and Mike Baker (Ngā Iwi FM) each received a Lifetime Achievement Award, and a posthumous award was presented to Cyril Chapman (Tautoko FM), received by his brother, Hori.

The People’s Choice Award, delivered through Māori Media Network Ltd, was awarded to Tūranga FM, which also took home the Best Breakfast Show and Best Iwi Radio Personality awards. Other standout performers included Te Hiku Media, Radio Ngāti Porou, and Tainui Live.

Te Whakaruruhau o Ngā Reo Irirangi Māori congratulates all winners and finalists for their outstanding mahi in championing te reo Māori and iwi storytelling across the motu.

The winners

• Tūranga FM – Te Tohu Manu Kōkako / Best Breakfast Show sponsored by Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
• Tūmeke FM / Sonny Kahika – Te Tohu Manu Pūkeko / Best Rangatahi – Drive Show sponsored by Te Mātāwai.
• Te Hiku Media / Girlie Clark – Te Tohu Manu Tāiko / Celebrating Wisdom On-Air in partnership with E Tū Whānau.
• Moana AM – Te Tohu Manu Kārearea / News & Current Affairs sponsored by Te Māngai Pāho.
• Tainui Live – Te Tohu Manu Kāhū / Best Outside Broadcast sponsored by Whakaata Māori.
• Tūmeke FM – Te Tohu Manu Tūī / Best Overall Production sponsored by Te Taura Whiri I Te Reo Māori.
• Radio Ngāti Porou – / Te Tohu Manu Kōtare / Best Digital Content sponsored by Te Mātāwai.
• Tahu FM – Te Pūwhara o Te Kōtare / Best Digital Platform sponsored by Whakaata Māori.
• Ātiawa Toa FM / Cory Stickle – Te Tohu Manu Huia / Best Overall Program – Program Director sponsored by Te Māngai Pāho.
• Tūranga FM / Matai Rangi Smith – Te Tohu Manu Mātārae / Best Iwi Radio Personality sponsored by Te Māngai Pāho.
• Te Hiku Media – Te Tohu Manu Kākāpō / Reo-ā-Iwi [Te Reo Mãori Excellence] sponsored by Te Taura Whiri I Te Reo Māori.
• Tūranga FM – Te Tohu Manu Kererū / People’s Choice Award sponsored by Māori Media Network.
• Tūmeke FM – Te Ōhanga Pīpīwharauroa / Station of the Year Award sponsored by Te Māngai Pāho.

Lifetime Achievement Awards

Cyril Chapman (Tautoko FM) (Posthumously received by Hori Chapman), Professor Margaret Mutu (Te Hiku Media), Judge Layne Harvey (Tūmeke FM), Mike Baker (Ngā Iwi FM)