Aroha Awarau, Celebrated Journalist and Playwright, Passes Away

Aroha Awarau, the esteemed New Zealand journalist and playwright, has died at the age of 49. He passed away peacefully in hospice care, surrounded by loved ones, at 16:15 on Wednesday. A post shared on social media celebrated his remarkable spirit, stating, “True to the way he lived, Aroha met this final moment with grace, courage and his unmistakable spirit.”

Awarau’s battle with cancer cut his life short, but his legacy as a gifted storyteller and advocate for Indigenous voices remains impactful. He was remembered for his sharp intellect, flamboyant personality, and generous friendship, living life to the fullest and with profound love.

A Legacy of Creativity and Advocacy

Born in 1976 in Hāwera, Awarau discovered his passion for writing at the young age of 13, winning the prestigious Ronald Hugh Morrieson Literary Award for a short story. He became the first student to win the award three times, which propelled him toward a successful career in journalism and the arts.

Reflecting on his early achievements, Awarau stated in 2021, “Winning that award gave me the validation of being on the right track. It really cemented for me that I can do this. I can’t play sport, but I can write a poem.” His journey was not without challenges; he faced a difficult childhood, losing his mother, Nina, at just 15 years old. Awarau often credited her as his motivation, saying, “She is the reason why I do what I do, and she would have been the proudest mother to know I have realized my dreams.”

Awarau was of Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Rauru, and Ngāruahine descent, and his work consistently highlighted Māori perspectives and current affairs. He began his journalism career with TVNZ and Māori Television, contributing to various print publications that aimed to create space for Indigenous voices in mainstream media.

Award-Winning Contributions

His contributions to journalism did not go unnoticed; Awarau received numerous accolades throughout his career. In 2008, he was named the New Zealand Magazine Journalist of the Year (Mass Market) at the Magazine Publisher’s Association Award. He was a finalist for the same award multiple times, including in 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2016. In 2013, he earned the title of NZ Celebrity and Entertainment Magazine Journalist of the Year.

Awarau’s creative talents extended beyond journalism. In 2015 and 2017, he won the Pikihuia Māori Writer of the Year Award, and in 2021, his film, *Disrupt*, was screened in New Plymouth as part of the New Zealand International Film Festival.

In June 2023, he actively engaged with communities in Taranaki as an ambassador for the Duffy Books in Homes programme, which aims to inspire a love of reading among children by donating books. During a visit to Midhirst School, he expressed how returning to Taranaki to inspire young writers felt equally significant as his experiences interviewing high-profile figures such as Oprah Winfrey and Donald Trump, and creating award-winning films.

“This is pretty cool, coming back home. I’m from Ngāti Maru, and to be able to come back here and inspire you all to write, to come back and share that is probably a highlight,” he said.

As the news of Awarau’s passing spreads, tributes continue to pour in from colleagues and fans alike, celebrating his contributions to journalism and the arts, as well as his unwavering commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of writers and storytellers.