Pictured above: Norm Hill – CELF Alumni Leader of the Year & Dr Peter Sun
Photograph by: Barker Photography @barkerphotonz
Dr Peter Sun – Founding Programme Director of CELF Elevate Leadership Programme, acknowledged the impact of leadership and all CELF Alumni, together with the three finalists for the 2024 Alumni Leader of the Year Award; Amanda Hema, Norm Hill & Vanisiri (Vani) Mills.
Norm is a graduate of CELF’s Elevate Leadership Programme in 2019 supported onto the programme by WEL Energy Trust.
He is recognised for his practical leadership and contributions to community development and environmental sustainability. Norm has consistently worked to integrate Māori cultural values into large-scale projects, fostering a sense of collaboration between diverse groups.
As Tikanga Māori Advisor for the Waikato Wellbeing Project, Norm has played a key role in embedding indigenous perspectives into the project’s framework, ensuring that cultural values are reflected in initiatives aimed at improving the region’s intergenerational wellbeing.
Pictured above: Te Hunanga Ngapo, Mali Ahipene, Norm Hill, Hakopa Ngapo & A. Prof. Peter Sun. Photograph by: Barker Photography @barkerphotonz
Norm started the Waikato River Kaitiaki River Sweepers. Saddened by the continued disposal of household and other refuse into the Tupuna awa (ancestral river), Norm acted and started giving up his weekends to go out in his boat and with whanau and friends, to pick up the rubbish himself.
Norm Hill’s leadership emphasises practical outcomes, cultural integration, and environmental sustainability, leaving a lasting impact on the Waikato community. His work exemplifies how collaborative approaches can strengthen connections between people, culture, and the environment.
His leadership exemplifies mana and integrity. He does the mahi and brings people together to change our region for the better.
Norm had the final words, graciously accepting the award and the acknowledgement of his peers and leaving us with “ Keeping the “Wai” Kai te pai!