Global Recognition for Kātene Durie-Doherty
Director of Wai-Creative, Kātene Durie-Doherty, has been named global 'Champion of Good 2026' by ACT Responsible at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The first person from Aotearoa to receive the honour.
The award, presented in the 'Impact on a Region' category, recognises outstanding personalities across brands, NGOs and agencies globally who use creativity, culture, communication and influence as a force for good. He was selected in recognition of his work bringing Māori perspectives, values and leadership into the creative industry, and for demonstrating how creativity can be a catalyst for representation, equity, and lasting social change.
For us here at Whānau Waipareira, this is more than an industry award. It's proof that when creativity carries real kaupapa, the kind grounded in whānau, culture and purpose, it can shift outcomes and be seen and celebrated globally.
Ngā mihi nui to Kātene Durie-Doherty, and everyone who has worked on all the campaigns alongside him carrying our Whānau Ora story onto the world stage.