From orators to painters, dancers to composers; tohunga, artists and community leaders who have made an outstanding contribution to Maori arts were honoured in Wellington on Saturday night.

From orators to painters, dancers to composers; tohunga, artists and community leaders who have made an outstanding contribution to Maori arts were honoured in Wellington on Saturday night.

The annual Te Waka Toi Awards are the only national Maori arts awards to celebrate all art forms. Established in 1986, they recognise achievement in oratory, literature, music, performance, object and visual arts. Two scholarships are also awarded to emerging artists.

“Celebrating those who tirelessly promote and preserve Maori arts is a great honour for Te Waka Toi”, said Darrin Haimona, Chair of Te Waka Toi, the Maori arts board of Creative New Zealand, “through their generosity and talent, they have enriched communities and lives, and invested in a rich future for Maori arts”.

The supreme award: The Maori King’s son, Te Ariki Tamaroa Whatumoana Paki, congratulated Dr Timoti Karetu QSO (Ngati Kahungunu, Ngai Tuhoe) on receiving Te Tohu Aroha mo Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu. Dr Karetu is synonymous with language excellence. He was the inaugural Maori Language Commissioner, has Honorary Doctorates from Victoria University of Wellington and The University of Waikato, is a director of Te Panekiretanga o Te Reo (the Institute of Excellence in Maori Language) and is Chair for Te Kohanga Reo National Trust. A teacher and scholar, Professor Karetu is also a prolific composer who once chaired the organisation now known as Te Matatini Society. He has expertise in Maori performing arts as a performer, tutor and judge. Professor Karetu has written many books on Maori language and the arts. His award will be formally presented at his marae in October.

Lifetimes of service to Maori arts: Kaumatua who have devoted their lives to Maori arts were honoured with Nga Tohu a Ta Kingi Ihaka.

Esther Kerr Jessop QSM, MSR, BA (Ngai Tai), involved in the performing arts since the 1940s, Mrs Jessop returned from the United Kingdom to receive her award. A Founding Member and Honorary President of London Maori Club Ngati Ranana, also Patron of Te Kohanga Reo, London; Mrs Jessop was honoured for leading a strong Maori cultural presence throughout Europe since the 1950s.

Mita Mohi MBE (Ngati Tuwharetoa, Te Arawa), was honoured for a lifetime of preserving Maori martial arts, first as an exponent of haka himself and later as a teacher. The founder of this country’s longest running mau taiaha wananga, Mr Mohi has provided 35 years of expert tutelage to generations of males. He has served on marae committees, school trust boards, the New Zealand Parole Board and as kaumatua for the New Zealand Police.

Hohipera Williams (Te Whakatohea) was recognised for a lifetime of service to her marae, community and Ringatu church in Opotiki. As a native speaker of Maori, proficient in whakapapa and karakia, Mrs Williams continues to share her deep knowledge with whanau at her local kohanga reo.

Manuera Tohu QSM (Ngati Kahu), is a Minister (Apotoro Rehita) of the Ratana Church, a Trustee for Te Kohanga Reo National Trust, kaumatua for the New Zealand Police and a deeply respected authority on tikanga and whakapapa. Based in Dargaville, he is recognised as a master of oratory and as a tireless, community worker.

Maruhaeremuri Stirling (Ngati Porou, Te Whanau a Apanui, Ngati Kauwhata, Ngai Tahu) was honoured posthumously for her central role in revitalising te reo Maori in Canterbury over many years. A highly regarded kaikaranga, she was a ‘resident kaumatua’ during the Ngai Tahu exhibition Mo Tatou at Te Papa and a treasured community leader. Mrs Stirling’s family accepted the award on her behalf.

Strengthening the Maori language: Professor Pou Temara (Ngai Tuhoe) was recognised for his mastery of language with Te Tohu Aroha mo Ngoi Kumeroa Pewhairangi. His profound knowledge of whaikorero (oratory), whakapapa (genealogy) and karakia (incantations) have made him a recognised cultural authority. Professor Temara was appointed to the Waitangi Tribunal in 2008 and chairs the Repatriation Advisory Panel to Te Papa. He is Professor of reo and tikanga at the University of Waikato, has held senior lecturing positions at Victoria University and is one of three directors of Te Panekiretanga o te Reo.

Making a difference to the arts: Te Tohu Toi Ke, the award for making a positive difference to the development of Maori arts and culture was presented to Tama Huata ONZM (Ngati Kahungunu, Ngati Porou). With a background in live bands and television production, Mr Huata formed the Takitimu Performing Arts School (offering the first accredited certificate of Maori performing arts) and Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre in 1983. Approaching its 30th anniversary celebrations, Kahurangi now showcases ‘exciting and innovative’ Maori dance theatre around the world. Mr Huata is Chair of the Ngati Kahungunu Runanga Arts and Culture Board, He Kura Te Tangata  Kaumatua Kapa Haka, former Chair of Te Matatini Society and is a Fulbright Scholar (1994). He is currently Chief Executive Officer of Te Wananga Whare Tapere o Takitimu in Hastings.

Two scholarship winners: Two emerging artists were awarded Nga Karahipi a Te Waka Toi, worth $4000 each.

Rongomaiaia Te Whaiti (Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Kai Tahu, Rangitane) is a painter who creates work which recalls the past, while focussing on contemporary Maori contexts. Rongomaiaia’s paintings are inspired by stories from her home, the Wairarapa.  She is currently exploring stories of taonga in museum collections. Rongomaiaia is in her first year of a Masters of Maori Visual Arts at Te Putahi-a-Toi, Massey University Palmerston North.
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Gisborne based Kingi Pitiroi (Ngati Tuwharetoa) produces art including ta moko, three dimensional works, painting, reo Maori and kapa haka. With a Bachelor in Maori Visual Arts and Design, Kingi is currently practicing ta moko under the guidance of tohunga ta moko, Derek Lardelli. He is working towards a Certificate in Studio Workshop (Art and Design) at Toihoukura School of Maori Visual Arts. He is a member of Whangara Mai Tawhiti kapa haka and tutors secondary school students in the performing arts. Kingi’s vision is to return to Taupo to promote better appreciation of Maori arts and culture.

Media Release: Creative New Zealand