Paying tribute to his status as not only "a great artist and performer", but also "an outstanding New Zealander", Te Waka Toi presented their premiere Te Tohu Tiketike a Te Waka Toi award to national icon Sir Howard Morrison at a ceremony on Sunday 23 September.

The award is for Maori artists who have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to their art and who are leaders in their field.Paying tribute to his status as not only "a great artist and performer", but also "an outstanding New Zealander", Te Waka Toi presented their premiere Te Tohu Tiketike a Te Waka Toi award to national icon Sir Howard Morrison at a ceremony on Sunday 23 September.

The award is for Maori artists who have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to their art and who are leaders in their field.The ceremony at Te Papaiouru Marae in Rotorua was attended by 200 of Sir Howard's friends, whanau and supporters. Among those to pay tribute to Sir Howard were MP Miti Ririnui MP, Mayor of Manukau City Sir Barry Curtis, opera singer Dame Malvina Major, writer, director and actor Oscar Kightley (a member of the Creative New Zealand Arts Council) and Te Arawa historian Don Stafford.

All the tributes supported the kaupapa of the day, honouring Sir Howard's outstanding career in the arts and his exceptional contribution as a New Zealander.

Oscar Kightley, speaking about Sir Howard's appearance on television comedy Bro' Town, spoke of Sir Howard's "inclusiveness", and how important it was to introduce a younger generation to his work.

Te Waka Toi is the Maori arts board of Creative New Zealand.

25/9/07