Moana Maniapoto named Distinguished Alumni
6 March 2019
Musician Moana Maniapoto MNZM has been named as one of this year’s Distinguished Alumni and will be honoured by the University of Auckland at a gala dinner held later this month.
![](/content/auckland/en/news/2019/03/05/moana-maniapoto-named-distinguished-alumni/_jcr_content/leftpar/imagecomponent/image.img.480.low.jpg/1554337209035.jpg)
Of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Pikiao, and Tūhourangi-Ngāti Wahiao descent, Moana is one of New Zealand’s most successful acts.
An alumna of the Auckland Law School, graduating in 1984 with a Bachelor of Laws degree, Moana is known for successfully combining her passion for the arts with her commitment to justice.
Performing as Moana and the Tribe, she is celebrated for pushing the boundaries of Māori music with her unique fusion of styles and sounds.
She has also produced award-winning documentaries with her partner, Toby Mills, which have screened at indigenous film festivals across the world.
She received a New Zealand Order of Merit for services to music and Māori in 2004.
The Distinguished Alumni Awards are held annually and honour University alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their professions, their communities, to their nation, and beyond.
More than 400 guests are expected to attend the Distinguished Alumni Awards dinner in a pavilion on the lawn of Old Government House at the University’s City Campus on 9 March.
The winners will also take part in the “Bright Lights” panel discussion event at the Orange Coronation Hall in Eden Terrace the evening before on 8 March.