The 2023 New Zealander of the Year says he didn't anticipate winning and expected to be "listening to someone else talk".
Professor Rangi Mātāmua is known as "the man behind Matariki" after campaigning for the public holiday for years.
He was overwhelmed with emotions when his name was called on Thursday night, telling AM it's "such an honour" and that he is "humbled" to have been awarded the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year.
"Just to be in the presence of these wonderful New Zealanders that [are] all working so hard to make a difference to the lives of those close to them."
Prof Mātāmua said he got up on stage to speak after receiving the award but had nothing prepared because he expected to be "listening to someone else talk".
He hopes to embed the Matariki holiday with his new title.
"One of the things I love about the cluster, that star group, is that they are different stars with different characteristics, slightly different in their positions, in their size, in their colourings even, but they rise as one cluster in the morning sky," Prof Mātāmua said.
He said the Matariki cluster is a "symbolic image" of what Aotearoa is about.
"We're a diverse nation, with people with different ethnicities, different backgrounds, different beliefs, but in that new year moment we rise together as one nation celebrating the best things that make us who we are," Prof Mātāmua said.
"I would love for this position to continue to reinforce those messages."
In Prof Mātāmua's acceptance speech, he spoke of his fellow nominees - in particular mental health advocate Sir John Kirwan.
"My mum got me a book when I was 13 years old, John Kirwan's Rugby World Cup 1987. And on the inside of that cover, it's written 'to my friend Rangi, John Kirwan'."
Prof Mātāmua told AM he "idolised" Sir John when he was a young rugby player, "he was a superstar".
"Just to see the journey he's gone through, supporting other people going through their own mental health issues. And the way he's highlighted issues such as suicide."
Watch Prof Mātāmua's full interview above.
