Korowai bestowed on PM’s Educator of the Year 2022

Each year, as part of the national Te Whatu Kairangi | Aotearoa Educator of the Year Awards, the Prime Minister’s Educator of the Year Award winner receives a financial grant, and is presented with the korowai, which celebrates the status and significance of their achievement. The korowai may only be worn by the recipient of this award, who becomes its kaitiaki or guardian, to formal events to signify the rangatiratanga (leadership) of the wearer.

A special ceremony was held today on the Manawatū campus, where the korowai was placed on the shoulders of Dr Gates. It will be on display in a specially designed case at Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science until after the 2023 Te Whatu Kairangi ceremony.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says receiving the Prime Minister’s Supreme Award and being honoured with the Rauaroha korowai is one of the highest accolades for a tertiary teacher.

“Carolyn is talented and passionate about her discipline and her students. Her teaching is innovative, utilising novel techniques to enhance her student’s learning. We are incredibly fortunate to have her on staff, and the positive impact she has on our tauira is inspiring.”

Dr Gates’ teaching and learning impact extends beyond the classroom into charitable clinics and other public outreach initiatives, including the establishment of the Massey-SPCA Desexing Clinic with SPCA Palmerston North in 2017. The service now delivers training to more than 350 students per year while providing more than 1,000 low-cost desexing surgeries to the local community and animal rescue organisations.

“I am really proud of what we have accomplished with the programme and grateful to Ako Aotearoa for the opportunity to celebrate its positive outcomes for students, cats, and the community,” Dr Gates says.