Residential Excellence Awards 2021

On 13 October, student and staff members of Ngā Wharenoho | Accomodation gathered to celebrate a remarkable year of achievements. The 2021 Residential Excellence Awards Gala was held to recognise the achievements of kainoho | residents in the categories of Whanaungatanga | Community, Āwhina | Service, Tiaki Taiao | Sustainability, and Kotahitanga | Inclusion.

The evening was led by Ngā Wharenoho Associate Director, Micheal Rengers, and Head of Operations, Jacob Waitere. Rengers and Waitere recognised the award recipients who were nominated by their Wharenoho community – including fellow kainoho, Kaitohutohu Wharenoho | Residential Advisers, and floor representatives.

The evening began with a Mihi Michael Steedman, the University of Auckland’s Kaiarataki.

Te Tirohanga o te Tōangaroa kainoho, Bryan Wang, provided musical entertainment throughout the event. Watch his first piece titled “When Chopin Meet Beethoven at Night” which melded two prominent pieces from the composers.

Whanaungatanga | Community

Waitere described this category as “the heart and soul of what we do [in Ngā Wharenoho].” The kainoho featured worked to organise community building events and are recognised as “future movers and shakers” in their communities.

The following kainoho were recognised in absentia: Jessica McKnight, Mohammad Khan, Kimberly David, Daniel Lavin.

Āwhina | Service

For the first time since the Residential Excellence Awards started, this category has surpassed whanaungatanga category. Rengers detailed that these kaihono are “critical parts to our community and an important part of accommodation. They make sure that all of our residents are supported and have voice.” The award winners participated in important programmes such as PASS Mentor, Residential Advisory Committee, and charity volunteers.

The following kaihono were recognised in absentia: Salmi Ikhwani Selamat, Lily Fu, Faith Poppelwell, Alexander Campbell, Timothy Cross, Emily Gossen, Shreya Nair, Alex Clinton, Hector Gray Pozo

Tiaki Taiao | Sustainability

This category “recognises residents who have been active champions for our environment and promoting sustainable practices,” stated Rengers. Two award recipients detailed some of their efforts in taiki taiao. Olivia Bird led a tree planting initiative during UoA Volunteer Day with other kaihono and has been pushing for better recycling practices in the halls. Rebekah Tregonning has been co-leading the Green Team at Carlaw Park Student Village, leading education initiatives about taiki taiao and recycling, and has been advocating for worm farming.

Kotahitanga | Inclusion

As introduction to this category, Rengers stated that it “recognises those who…build a more inclusive culture, ensure fairness and safe environments. These inclusion champions have gone out of their way to make a difference and to make accommodation, the University, and ultimately the world a better place.”

As the evening came to a close, Waitere gave acknowledgment and gratitude to Rengers for his 40 years of service in tertiary education. Rengers, who will be retiring soon, stated “what is wonderful about working in New Zealand is how terrific the students are…[they are] responsible, smart, and caring people.”

Scroll through this gallery to see all of the 2021 Residential Excellence Awards recipients. Ka pai to the awards winners for all of your mahi and manaakitanga!

2021 Residential Excellence Awards recipients

Whanaungatanga | Community

Āwhina | Service

**Residential Advisory Committee Representative

Tiaki Taiao | Sustainability

Kotahitanga | Inclusion