Trivia

Recognised for reporting that highlighted Maori perspectives and current affairs, and his work often aimed to create space for Indigenous voices in mainstream media.

Began his career in journalism, working for TVNZ, Maori Television and various print publications.

Ngati Ruanui, Nga Rauru and Ngaruahine descent.

His second play "Officer 27" was a finalist at the NZ Adams Playwriting awards and the New Zealand Script Writing Awards in 2016.

Had a degree in film and television from the University of Waikato.

While still at high school Awarau was the first writer to become a three-time winner of the Ronald Hugh Morrieson Literary Award. The annual award was created by the South Taranaki District Council to commemorate Hawera's most famous author, Ronald Hugh Morrieson.

Had a short stint as a stand up comedian, becoming a finalist in the Raw Quest, a national competition to find the best new comedian and appeared as a contestant in the reality show So You Think You're Funny?, a competition to find New Zealand's funniest new comedian.

Was a successful playwright, with his first play Luncheon, starring accomplished New Zealand actress Jennifer Ward-Lealand and directed by Katie Wolfe, winning Best Play at the 2014 New Zealand Script Writing Awards.

In October 2019 he was presented with a Scroll of Honour from the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand for his contribution to New Zealand entertainment.

In 2013 he was awarded the NZ Celebrity and Entertainment magazine journalist of the year at the Magazine Publisher's Award.

News editor for the Woman's Day magazine.

Held a journalism degree from the Auckland University of Technology.

Won the 2008 New Zealand Magazine Journalist of the Year (Mass Market) at the annual Magazine Publisher's Association Award. He was a finalist again for the same award in 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2016.

Was a story producer for the Maori Television current affairs show Native Affairs.

Senior writer at New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

After leaving Waikato University in 1998, Awarau worked in the New Zealand film industry for two years, working on films such as What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? and The Price of Milk.

His short film Home premiered at the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival in Toronto.