Te Waka Toi awards


The Te Waka Toi awards are the premier awards in the field of ngā toi Māori. They have been awarded by Creative New Zealand and predecessors since 1986. The awards recognise tohunga, artists and community leaders across all arts forms including visual and performing arts.
There are seven awards, including Te Tohu mō Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, Ngā Tohu ā Tā Kingi Ihaka, which recognises the recipient's lifetime contribution to Māori arts and Te Tohu Toi Kē a Te Waka Toi.

List of award recipients

Te Tohu mō Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu | Exemplary/Supreme Award

Winners of Te Tohu mō Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, the exemplary / supreme award in 'recognition of leadership, excellence and outstanding contribution to Ngā Toi Māori'
The Sir Kingi Ihaka award is for kaumātua in 'recognition of their contribution to strengthening the continuity of Māori culture through their support of ngā Toi Māori'. Laureates since 2019:
This outstanding contribution award of $5,000 is funded and selected by staff at Te Papa.
These awards have a prize $7,500 and are funded and selected by Te Matatini Kapa Haka Aotearoa.
Supported by Te Māori Manaaki Taonga Trust
  • Kara Puketapu, ''Te Atiawa''

    Manaaki Taonga Award | Recognising the work of a Māori Artist who fulfils the legacy of Te Māori ‘He Taonga Tuku Iho’

Supported by Te Māori Manaaki Taonga Trust
  • Lewis Gardiner, ''Te Arawa, Ngāti Awa, Whanau a Apanui, Ngāi Tahu''