November 11, 2023
Celebrating excellence in Māori arts and culture
Celebrating excellence in Māori arts and culture
The 2023 Ngā Taonga Toi a Te Waka Toi Awards has honoured Māori artists and cultural contributors.
Creative New Zealand in collaboration with Te Papa Tongarewa, Te Taura Whiri i te reo Māori, and Te Matatini hosted the event in the Waikato region, te waka o Tainui, te nōhanga o te Kiingitanga, and celebrated the achievements of ngā toi Māori.
The calibre of artists ranged from many artforms and acknowledged a new surge of rangatahi cutting through the sector.
Supreme award:
Rangimoana Taylor, a respected actor and storyteller from Ngāti Porou and Te Whānau ā Apanui, received Te Tohu Aroha mō Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu Supreme Award. Taylor’s career spans over 35 years, including international stages and renowned Māori theatre groups. He has also contributed to Māori education and youth through his writing and advocacy.
Lifetime achievement awards:
Te Raina Ferris and Horiana Tootell received the Ngā Tohu Ā Tā Kingi Ihaka | Sir Kingi Ihaka Awards for Lifetime Achievement. Ferris is celebrated for her expertise in haka and karanga, while Tootell is a dedicated guardian of pounamu, sharing its cultural significance with the world.
Innovation awards:
Amber Curreen, Estella Hineratia Tawha – Davis, and Graham Tipene were honoured with the Ngā Tohu Hautūta nga Auaha Toi – ‘Making a ifference award’ for their Māori arts and culture contributions. Curreen’s theatre work emphasises te reo Māori, while Tawha -Davis’s Kapa Haumanu programme empowers rangatahi. Tipene’s artistry enriches the cityscape with Māori kaupapa.
Te Tohu Iho Pūmanawa award:
Sarah Holten, a disabled Māori artist, received the Te Tohu Iho Pūmanawa award for her remarkable mixed -media artistry, transcending physical limitations.
Emerging artists recognised:
Brianne Te Paa, Bridy Lundon, and Tuakoi Ohia received the Ngā Manu Pīrere awards, acknowledging their promise in various art forms.
Partner awards:
Te Papa Tongarewa Rongomaraeroa Award honoured the late Putiputi Mackey, recognising her contributions to Māori performing arts.
Te Tohu Aroha mō Ngoi Kumeroa Pewhairangi Award celebrated street artist and designer Mr G for his artistry.
Te Tohu Whakamānawa o Te Matatini Awardee Ngamoni Huata embodies the essence of perpetuating Māori traditions and arts.
ENDS