The Huia Awards are an annual celebration of New Zealand’s older people and those who support them. The Huia feather is a sacred treasure for Māori, symbolising leadership and mana. Huia feathers were traditionally given as tokens of friendship.
Each year we will award three recipients a Huia Award. Nominations must show how recipients support our kaumātua and make positive differences for them.
Leadership, mana and community are the qualities our brand to represents. The circle of three feathers portrays the concept of community, friendship, and respect—all things our award recipients will value and uphold.
The Huia Awards ceremony is a part of our International Day of Older Persons celebration each year (1 October).
Winners of the Age Concern NZ Huia Awards 2025
IRIHAPETI BULLMORE
Irihapeti (Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāpuhi) is the visionary behind the Kahukura Kaumātua Programme, a monthly kaupapa Māori day programme held at Birdlings Flat Community Centre. Designed specifically for kaumātua, Kahukura blends clinical health promotion with cultural celebration, offering a space of belonging, revitalisation, and reconnection. Each gathering includes shared seasonal kai, waiata, gentle exercise, te reo Māori learning, games, and rotating health topics—from mental wellbeing to vaccination awareness.
The Huia feather, symbolising leadership and mana, is a fitting tribute to Irihapeti’s enduring impact. Her generosity, determination, and warmth have transformed lives and communities.
JUDITH DAVEY
Judith’s impact spans decades, beginning with her academic leadership as Director of the New Zealand Institute for Research on Ageing (2002–2007), and continuing through her role as Research Associate at Victoria University of Wellington’s Institute of Governance and Policy Studies. Her work has consistently bridged research, policy, and advocacy, making her a respected voice in national conversations about ageing.
The Huia Award honours her enduring commitment, wisdom, and leadership, and celebrates her as a beacon of community, friendship, and respect.
JANFERIE BRYCE-CHAPMAN
Janferie Bryce-Chapman has dedicated nearly three decades to championing the wellbeing of older people on Auckland’s North Shore. As the founding Executive Officer of Age Concern North Shore in 1990, she stepped into a role that began with just one part-time staff member and a modest service offering. By the time she retired in 2019, Janferie had grown the organisation into a thriving hub with 12 staff and contractors, and a remarkable 250 volunteers.
Janferie Bryce-Chapman is not only a leader but a connector, someone who brought people together, built networks, and ensured that older New Zealanders had a strong voice in their communities. Her legacy continues to inspire those working in social services and community development today.
