Novelist Patricia Grace was the supreme winner at this year’s Waka Toi Awards, marking her importance in the emergence of Maori fiction in English.
Her first published work, Waiariki from 1975, was the first collection of short stories by a Maori woman.
Kingi Ihaka awards for a lifetime of service to Maori arts went to Keri Kaa of Ngati Porou, Te Kanawa Pitoroi of Tuwharetoa, Hokimoana Te Riki Hekerangi of Tuhoe and Piri Sciascia of Ngati Kahungunu.
Educator Liz Hunkin was acknowledged for her work to strengthen the Maori language, particularly through her involvement with Te Ataarangi.
Hoturoa Barclay Kerr won Te Tohu Toi Ke for his work around the revival of waka traditions.
Carver Cori Marsters and taa moko artist and adornment maker Te Kanawa Ngarotata won the emerging artist scholarships.
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