The Reverend Zhane Tiopira Tāhau Shines as Young New Zealander of the Year Semi-Finalist

The Reverend Zhane Tiopira Tāhau

Rev. Zhane has been named one of ten 2025 semi-finalists for the prestigious Young New Zealander of the Year award. A finalist in February will see the field narrowed to three, with one ultimately taking the top honour. Zhane, who has no idea who nominated him, first received recognition with a Local Hero medal, followed by the semi-finalist announcement the following week. His remarkable contributions span ministry, cyclone recovery, national leadership, and interfaith collaboration.

Marrying Hinauri in October 2024

Ministry Amongst the Iwi

Zhane’s ministry is centred around marae in Heretaunga. His responsibilities include leading services, conducting tangihanga, and guiding events that bring people together spiritually and culturally. By connecting whānau and iwi through faith, Zhane has become a pillar of support in the region, embodying the values of manaakitanga and aroha in all he does.

Cyclone Recovery Efforts

In the wake of this year’s devastating cyclone, Zhane played a pivotal role in recovery efforts. Recognised early with a Hastings District Civic Award for leading pastoral care, he worked tirelessly in evacuation centres, providing spiritual support and leading karakia from dawn until late into the night. He was asked by his tribe to conduct blessings in flood-stricken areas by helicopter, and praying over takiwā boundaries, giving the nickname “helicopter minister”.

Ministering as part of the recovery response

Zhane also leads cultural recovery efforts within the cyclone response team, focusing on building capacity and capability of in reo and tikanga, preserving taonga, securing and reinstating wāhi tapu, and archiving tribal mātauranga. Through his ministry, he builds capability in marae life, training and teaching karakia while planning to introduce te reo classes. Beyond spiritual care, Zhane organises community events like the annual Renata Kawepō Celebrations, 200th Pakake War Commemorations, memorials and Matariki celebrations to foster unity and resilience among those rebuilding their lives.

 

Leadership in Hui Taumata

Zhane was instrumental in organising the Hui Taumata in Hawke’s Bay, a national Māori gathering attended by Kiingi Tuheitia. Hosted in Omahu, the hui brought 3,000 leaders and iwi together to discuss unity and the renewal of the Kotahitanga movement. As part of the Te Amorangi ki Mua working group, Zhane continues to play a key role in progressing Te Whare o Te Rangatiratanga for national Māori leadership and unity.

With Kiingi Tuheitia at Hui Taumata

Establishing Kahui Amorangi o Ngāti Kahungunu

Recognising the struggles of various hāhi with pastoral leadership, Zhane is leading the establishment of the Kahui Amorangi o Ngāti Kahungunu, an interfaith council bringing together Māori spiritual leaders from Ratana, Catholic, Mormon, and other traditions in Ngāti Kahungunu. This space fosters collaboration among tribal and spiritual leadership, addressing the community’s spiritual and pastoral needs.

Looking Ahead in 2025

Zhane will take on the new role as Chaplain of Te Aute College and Hukarere Girls’ College in 2025. Zhane is looking forward to refreshing mihinaretanga (Anglican ministry) within the schools. He is building relationships with leadership teams and aiming to create a collaborative whakapono community amongst the two kura mihinare. Recently married and living in Omahu with his wife Hinauri, Zhane looks forward to taking up this new role and will balance his commitments to tribal ministry and cyclone recovery mahi.

A beautiful day for a wedding

Zhane humbly acknowledges his recognition as a semi-finalist, viewing it as a reflection of the mahi being done rather than a personal accolade. His work exemplifies the strength of faith, unity, and service within Aotearoa, making him a worthy contender for Young New Zealander of the Year.

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