The Disarmament and Security Centre | Te Whare Maukāroko proudly congratulates our long-time kuia and kaumatua, Whaea Pauline Tangiora (Ngāti Rongomaiwahine), on receiving an honorary ‘Planetary Healing Doctorate’ (PhD) from the Home for Humanity Movement for Planetary Regeneration - the first such award to any indigenous elder in the world. This prestigious recognition was conferred on February 13, 2025, at her home in Māhia, with co-founders and directors, Dr Rama Mani and Prof Alexander Schieffer, present for the occasion. Tangiora's house itself was also recognised as a ‘Home for Humanity’.
Dr Pauline Tangiora (Honoris Causa) is a highly respected Māori elder of Ngāti Rongomaiwahine descent, known internationally for her lifelong dedication to peace, indigenous rights, and global disarmament efforts. This honorary doctorate acknowledges her immense contributions to fostering understanding and reconciliation, both in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.
The ‘planetary healing doctorate’ awarded to me, reminds us of the interconnected nature of humanity with our environment. My life has been dedicated to bringing forth this understanding from the peoples of the world and we have a responsibility to treasure this knowledge passed on to us and to share with each other, that which has been passed down to us from generation to generation.
The award is special as it acknowledges those who shared their knowledge with me and encouraged myself and others to become advocates. People like Te Puea Herangi back in 1947 when I was a child visiting Ngāruawāhia, I was inspired to see the strength of that woman for our people. Then to work with the likes of Irihapeti Ramsden, Eva Rickard, Ngāneko Minhinnick, Whaea Harawira, Rose Pere, Whaea McClutchie, Lena Manuel, Sir James Henare, my late husband John Tangiora, the Women of Wāhine Toa, the Māori Womens Welfare League all that have passed on and the many that remain today.
I also acknowledge my children, it is for their future that I have always strived for a better planet.
Dr Tangiora has long been a guiding force in peace and indigenous advocacy. She is a Justice of the Peace, a former President and current Vice-President of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom Aotearoa, and a former Regional Women's Representative for the World Council for Indigenous Peoples. Her dedication to peacebuilding has seen her serve as a consultant for the International Steering Committee of the World Court Project and as a Commissioner for the Earth Charter. She is also a life member of the Māori Women's Welfare League and a Patroness of the Peace Foundation.
Among her many accolades, Dr Tangiora was awarded the International Bremen Peace Award in Germany in 2017 and the Wisdom Fellowship Award in the United States in 2018. This latest recognition from Home for Humanity reaffirms her extraordinary impact on peace, disarmament, and indigenous rights worldwide.
In her characteristic humility, Dr Tangiora has accepted this honour as a reflection of the wisdom and knowledge shared with her by many teachers, mentors, and communities throughout her journey. She has expressed deep gratitude for the privilege and responsibility of holding, sharing, and using this knowledge in service of all who seek guidance and understanding.
The DSC celebrates this momentous achievement and reaffirms our deep respect and gratitude for Dr Pauline Tangiora’s unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and the empowerment of indigenous voices in all movements. Ngā mihi nui kia koe.
