April 11, 2022
Paratene leads pack in Te Waka Toi Awards
Te Waka Toi Awards has celebrated 14 Māori who have made major contributions to the arts.
The supreme award at this year’s online ceremony went to actor and playwright Rawiri Paratene.
Lifetime achievement awards went to composer Dame Gillian Karawe Whitehead and teacher, poet, artist and broadcaster Haare Williams.
Making a difference awards, Ngā Tohu Hautūtanga Auaha Toi, went to master carver and traditional weapons exponent Kerete Rautangata, photographer John Miller and dancer Dolina Wehipeihana.
Awards from Te Matatini Society for outstanding contributions to kapa haka went to Tangiwai Ria and Trevor Maxwell.
The tohu for outstanding work strengthening Te Reo Rangatira went to Dame Hinewehi Mohi.
Curator and archivist Hokimoana Te Rika-Hekerangi from Ngāi Tuhoe won the award for outstanding contribution to Ngā Toi Māori.
Cara Waretini was recognized for her contribution as a Māori artist with the lived experience of disability.
And Ngā Manu Pīrere emerging artist awards went to visual artists Maia Keane and Te Hana Paewai and actor Te Huamanuku Luiten-Apirana.