Global Recognition for Kātene Durie-Doherty
Director Kātene Durie-Doherty has been awarded the prestigious global ‘Champion of Good 2026’ honour in the category “Impact on a Region” by ACT Responsible at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
The annual ACT Responsible Tributes recognise outstanding personalities and visionaries across brands, NGOs and agencies globally who use creativity, culture, communication and influence as a force for good.
Kātene was selected by the ACT Responsible Board in recognition of his work bringing Māori perspectives, values and leadership into the creative industry, and for demonstrating the role creativity can play in advancing representation, equity and lasting social change.
He is the first recipient from Aotearoa New Zealand to receive the annual honour, joining an international group of creative leaders recognised for using their platforms to advance positive social outcomes.
The recognition follows a series of regional and international successes across work Kātene has helped lead, including Māori Roll Call for Whānau Ora, which was recognised at the ONE Asia Creative Awards, Spikes Asia and the Axis Awards.
The Champion of Good honour was presented by Cannes Lions Chair Philip Thomas at the official ACT Tributes to Creativity & Champions of Good celebration in Cannes, France.