Maori author Katerina Te Heikoko Mataira has been awarded the international Linguapax Award for her promotion of te reo Maori.
The annual award recognises individuals for their work in multilingual education and linguistic diversity.
Dr Te Heikoko Mataira has written a number of children's books and novels in te reo, including Marama Tangiweto, He Tino Kuia Taku Kuia and Te Atea, and was heavily involved in the establishment Maori language education.
Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples said Te Wa o te Reo Maori (Maori Language Week) was a good time to honour "a woman who has been at the forefront of Maori language revival".
"Katerina has dazzled and dazzled from the moment she first picked up her pen and started to write."
