The Te Waka Toi awards are the premier awards in the field of ngÃÂ toi MÃÂori (MÃÂori arts). They have been awarded by Creative New Zealand and predecessors since 1986. The awards recognise tohunga (skilled people), artists and community leaders across all arts forms including visual and performing arts.
There are seven awards, including Te Tohu mÃ
 Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu (Exemplary/Supreme Award), NgàTohu àTàKingi Ihaka (Sir Kingi Ihaka Award), which recognises the recipient's lifetime contribution to MÃÂori arts and Te Tohu Toi Kàa Te Waka Toi (Making a Difference Award).
List of award recipients
Te Tohu mÃ
 Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu | Exemplary/Supreme Award
Winners of Te Tohu mÃ
 Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, the exemplary / supreme award in 'recognition of leadership, excellence and outstanding contribution to NgàToi MÃÂori'
- 2024 Aroha Yates-Smith - Te Arawa, Tainui
- 2023 Rangimoana Taylor - NgÃÂti Porou, Te WhÃÂnau ÃÂ Apanui
- 2022 Robin White - NgÃÂti Awa
- 2021 Rawiri Paratene - NgÃÂ Puhi, Te Rarawa
- 2020 Robyn Kahukiwa - NgÃÂti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti
- 2019 Rex Homan - Te Rarawa, NgÃÂti PÃÂoa, Te Atiawa
- 2018 Marilynn Webb - NgÃÂti Kahu, Te Roroa
- 2017 Fred Graham - NgÃÂti Korokë Kahukura, Tainui
- 2016 Patricia Grace - NgÃÂti Toa, NgÃÂti Raukawa
- 2015 Matekino Lawless - NgÃÂti Maniapoto, NgÃÂti Whawhakia
- 2014 Sandy Adsett - NgÃÂti PÃÂhauwera, NgÃÂti Kahungunu
- 2013 Darcy Nicholas - Te ÃÂtiawa, NgÃÂti Ruanui, Tauranga Moana
- 2012 Tëmoti KÃÂretu - NgÃÂti Kahungunu, NgÃÂi TÃ
«hoe
- 2011 Sidney Moko Mead - NgÃÂti Awa
- 2010 Kiri Te Kanawa - NgÃÂti Porou
- 2009 Witi Ihimaera - Te Aitanga-a-MÃÂhaki WhÃÂnau a Kai
- 2008 Iritana Tawhiwhirangi - NgÃÂti Porou
- 2007 Howard Morrison - Te Arawa
- 2006 Diggeress Te Kanawa - NgÃÂti Maniapoto, NgÃÂti Kinohaku
- 2005 Don Selwyn - NgÃÂti Kurë, Te AupÃ
Âuri
- 2004 Te Ataairangikaahu - Tainui
- 2003 Cliff Whiting - Te WhÃÂnau-ÃÂ-Apanui
- 2002 Hirini Melbourne - NgÃÂi TÃ
«hoe
- 2001 Katerina Te Heikoko Mataira - NgÃÂti Porou
- 2000 Rawinia Te Kani - NgÃÂti Porou
- 2000 Tokorua Te Kani - NgÃÂti Porou
- 1998 Jack Wihongi - NgÃÂpuhi
- 1997 Hinemoa Harrison - NgÃÂti Porou
- 1997 Pakariki Harrison - NgÃÂti Porou
- 1996 Hekenukumai Busby - NgÃÂpuhi
- 1995 Huirangi Waikerepuru - NgÃÂti Ruanui
- 1994 Rangimarie Hetet - NgÃÂti Maniapoto
- 1993 Nathanial Lees - SÃÂmoa
- 1992 Jim Moriarty - NgÃÂti Toa, NgÃÂti Koata
- 1991 Hone Tuwhare - NgÃÂpuhi
- 1990 Selwyn Muru - NgÃÂti Kurë
- 1989 Momoe Malietoa Von Reich - SÃÂmoa
- 1988 Ngapo Wehi - WhakatÃ
Âhea
- 1987 Irirangi Tiakiawa - Te Arawa
- 1986 Te Aue Davis - NgÃÂti Maniapoto
NgÃÂ Tohu ÃÂ TÃÂ Kingi Ihaka (Sir Kingi Ihaka Award)
The Sir Kingi Ihaka award is for kaumÃÂtua in 'recognition of their contribution to strengthening the continuity of MÃÂori culture through their support of ngÃÂ Toi MÃÂori'. Laureates since 2019:
- 2024 Ngahiwi Tomoana NgÃÂti Kahungunu/NgÃÂti Hawea, NgÃÂti Hori, Samoan
- 2024 Haami Te Whaiti NgÃÂti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, NgÃÂi Tahu, RangitÃÂne
- 2023 Te Raina Ferris NgÃÂti Kahungunu, NgÃÂti Raukawa, NgÃÂti MÃÂmoe, KÃÂi Tahu, Italy
- 2023 Horiana Tootell NgÃÂti Waewae, NgÃÂi Tahu
- 2022 Muriwai Ihakara NgÃÂti Porou, Te Arawa
- 2022 Christina Wirihana NgÃÂti Pikiao, NgÃÂti Maniapoto, NgÃÂti Raukawa, NgÃÂti Whawhakia, Te Arawa, NgÃÂti Rangiunora
- 2021 Gillian Whitehead NgÃÂi Te Rangi
- 2021 Haare Williams Te Aitanga-a-MÃÂhaki, TÃ
«hoe
- 2020 Whatarangi Winiata NgÃÂti Raukawa
- 2020 Gabrielle Rikihana NgÃÂti Raukawa
- 2019 John Klaricich NgÃÂpuhi
- 2019 Allen Wihongi NgÃÂpuhi
- 2019 Sonia Snowden NgÃÂpuhi
- 2019 Rim D. Paul Te Arawa
- 2019 Maureen Lander NgÃÂpuhi
NgÃÂ Tohu HautÃ
«tanga Auaha Toi | Making a Difference
- 2024 Julie Paama-Pengelly NgÃÂiterangi, NgÃÂi TÃ
«whiwhia, NgÃÂti Tauaiti, NgÃÂti Tapu
- 2024 James Thornton Webster Tainui: NgÃÂti Apakura, NgÃÂti Maniapoto, NgÃÂti Mahuta; Te Arawa: Ngati Pikiao; and PÃÂkeha: Webster Clan
- 2024 Mataaho Collective
- 2023 Amber Curreen, NgÃÂpuhi
- 2023 Estella Hineratia Tawha-Davis Ngaati Maahanga, Waikato-Tainui, Ngaati Raukawa, Ngaati Maiotaki, Ngaati Toarangatira
- 2023 Graham Tipene NgÃÂti WhÃÂtua, NgÃÂti Kahu, NgÃÂti Haua, NgÃÂti Manu
- 2022 Veranoa Hetet, Te Atiawa, NgÃÂti TÃ
«wharetoa, NgÃÂti Maniapoto
- 2022 Ross Hemara, Ngai Tahu
- 2022 Gabrielle Belz, NgÃÂpuhi, Te Atiawa
- 2021 Kereti Rautangata, Tainui, Te Arawa
- 2021 John Miller, Ngaitewake-ki-uta, Uritaniwha, NgÃÂti RÃÂhia (hapÃ
« of NgÃÂpuhi)
- 2021 Dolina Wehipeihana, NgÃÂti Raukawa, NgÃÂti Tukorehe
- 2020 Baye Riddell, NgÃÂti Porou
- 2020 Tanea Heke, NgÃÂpuhi Nui Tonu
- 2020 Tama Waipara, Ruapani, Rongowhakaata, NgÃÂti Porou
- 2019 Nancy Brunning, NgÃÂti Raukawa/TÃ
«hoe
- 2018 Lyonel Grant, NgÃÂti Te Takinga, NgÃÂti Pikiao, NgÃÂti Rangiwewehi, Te Arawa
- 2017 Briar Grace-Smith, NgÃÂpuhi
- 2015 Lisa Reihana, MDes, BFA, NgÃÂpuhi, NgÃÂti Hine, Ngai Tu
- 2016 Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr, Tainui
- 2014 Professor Derek Lardelli, ONZM. Rongowhakaata, NgÃÂti Porou
Te Tohu aroha mÃ
 Ngoi Kumeroa Pewhairangi: âÂÂWhakarongo, Titiro, KÃ
Âreroâ | Award for strengthening Te Reo Rangatira
- 2024 Tweedie Waititi Te WhÃÂnau-ÃÂ-Apanui, Rongowhakaata
- 2023 Mr G (Graham Hoete), NgÃÂi Te Rangi, NgÃÂti Ranginui, NgÃÂti Awa
- 2022 Rob Ruha, Te WhÃÂnau-ÃÂ-Apanui, NgÃÂti Porou, NgÃÂti Rangiteaorere, TÃ
«hourangi
- 2021 Dame Hinewehi Mohi, NgÃÂti Kahungunu, TÃ
«hoe
- 2020 Pere Wihongi, NgÃÂpuhi Nui Tonu
- 2019 Derek Lardelli, NgÃÂti Porou, Rongowhakaata, NgÃÂti Konohi (Ngai Te Riwai), NgÃÂti Kaipoho (Ngai Te Aweawe)
- 2018 Kuini Moehau Reedy, MNZM. NgÃÂti Porou
- 2017 Pembroke Peraniko Bird, NgÃÂti Manawa, NgÃÂti Tahu
- 2016 Mana Elizabeth (Liz) Hunkin, NgÃÂti Kahungunu
- 2015 Rahera Wiremu Shortland, NgÃÂpuhi
- 2014 Dr Apirana Tuahae Kaukapakapa Mahuika, NgÃÂti Porou
- 2013 Dr Patu Hohepa, NgÃÂpuhi, Te ÃÂtiawa
- 2012 Professor Pou TÃÂmara, NgÃÂi TÃ
«hoe
NgàManu Përere | Award to recognise emerging MÃÂori artists
- 2024 Purewa Hohi Hodge Taranaki, NgÃÂti Tama-rongo, MuaÃ
«poko
- 2024 Rangipo Ihakara NgÃÂti Pikiao, NgÃÂti Tuwharetoa, NgÃÂti Porou, NgÃÂti Kuri, Akatokamanava: Mauke Island; Araura Enua: Aitutaki Island
- 2024 Jade Hohaia Te Uri Karaka Raukawa, Waikato, NgÃÂ Puhi, NgÃÂi Tahu
- 2023 Brianne Te Paa NgÃÂti Kahu, NgÃÂpuhi, Te Rarawa, NgÃÂti WhÃÂtua, NgÃÂti TÃ
«wharetoa, Te Aitanga-a-MÃÂhaki, Te WhÃÂnau-a-Apanui
- 2023 Bridy Lundon NgÃÂpuhi, Waikato-Tainui
- 2023 Tuakoi Ohia NgÃÂi Te Rangi, NgÃÂti PÃ
«kenga, NgÃÂti Hine, Te Ati Awa, Tainui, Te Arawa, NgÃÂti PÃÂkehÃÂ
- 2022 Ngamoko Rota Waikato, Ngaati Mahuta
- 2022 Ming Ranginui Te Ati Haunui-a-PÃÂpÃÂrangi
- 2022 p.A NgÃÂti Kuri
- 2021 Maia Keane, Ngai TÃÂmanuhiri, Rongowhakaata
- 2021 Te Haana Paewai, RangitÃÂne, NgÃÂruahine
- 2021 Te Huamanuka Luiten-Apirana, NgÃÂti Hikairo, Tainui, TÃ
«hoe, NgÃÂti Whakaue
- 2020 NgÃÂ Hine PÃ
«kÃ
Ârero â Arihia Hall, Te Arawa, NgÃÂti Tuwharetoa, NgÃÂti Tukorehe
- 2020 NgÃÂ Hine PÃ
«kÃ
Ârero â Terina Wichman-Evans, NgÃÂpuhi, NgÃÂti WhÃÂtua, Te Aupouri
- 2020 NgÃÂ Hine PÃ
«kÃ
Ârero â Manaia Tuwhare-Hoani
- 2020 NgÃÂ Hine PÃ
«kÃ
Ârero â Matariki Bennett, Te Arawa
- 2020 Ashleigh Taupaki, ÃÂ NgÃÂti Hako
- 2020 Amy Rameka, NgÃÂti Tuwharetoa, NgÃÂti Maniapoto
- 2019 Ashley (Hine) Waitai-Dye â NgÃÂti Kuri
- 2019 Cian Gardner â NgÃÂpuhi
- 2018 Nerys Catrin Ngaruhe,NgÃÂti Kahungunu
- 2018 Isaac James Te Reina, NgÃÂti Raukawa, Ngati Kapumanawawhiti
- 2017 Chevron Te-Whetumatarau Hassett, NgÃÂti Porou, NgÃÂti Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine
- 2017 Turene Huiarau Jones, Rongowhakaata, NgÃÂti Whakaue
- 2016 Te Kanawa Ngarotata, NgÃÂti Porou, NgÃÂti Maniapoto
- 2016 Cori Masters, Te Arawa, Ngati Whakaue, Te WhakatÃ
Â
- 2015 Mapihi Maureen Te Rerehau Kelland. NgÃÂti TÃ
«wharetoa, NgÃÂti Kahungunu
- 2015 Hana-lee -Wainohu. NgÃÂti Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine
- 2014 Te Utanga-ki-Whangaparaoa Tautuhi, NgÃÂti Ranginui, Ngai-te-rangi, NgÃÂti Raukawa, NgÃÂti Porou
- 2014 Chloe Rose Cull, KÃÂi Tahu
- 2013 Damen Joe, Waikato/Tainui
- 2013 Deane-Rose Marie Ngatai, NgÃÂti Porou
Te Tohu o Te Papa Tongarewa Rongomaraeroa | Outstanding contribution to NgÃÂ Toi MÃÂori
This outstanding contribution award of $5,000 is funded and selected by staff at Te Papa.
- 2024 Ngahuia Te Awekotuku Te Arawa, TÃ
«hoe, Waikato
- 2023 Putiputi Mackey NgÃÂti Porou ki PÃ
Âneke (posthumously awarded)
- 2022 Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr, Tainui
- 2022 Jack Thatcher, NgÃÂi Te Rangi, NgÃÂti Ranginui, NgÃÂti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti
- 2022 Stanley Conrad, Te Aupouri
- 2021 Hokimoana Te Rika-Hererangi, TÃ
«hoe
- 2020 Bob Jahnke, NgÃÂti Porou
- 2019 Kura Te Waru Rewiri, NgÃÂti Kahu, NgÃÂpuhi, NgÃÂti Kauwhata, NgÃÂti Rangi
- 2018 Sandy Adsett MNZM, MMVA, Pahauwera/NgÃÂti Kahungunu (2018)
- 2017 Dr Cliff Whiting, ONZ, Te WhÃÂnau-ÃÂ-Apanui
Te Tohu Whakamanawa o Te Matatini | Recognising outstanding contribution to Kapa Haka
These awards have a prize $7,500 and are funded and selected by Te Matatini Kapa Haka Aotearoa.
- 2024 Chris Henare NgÃÂti Kahu/Te WhÃÂnau-ÃÂ-Apanui/NgÃÂti Porou
- 2024 Sandra Henare NgÃÂti Kurë/Te Arawa
- 2023 Ngamoni Huata TÃ
«hourangi-NgÃÂti Wahiao, NgÃÂti Whare, NgÃÂi Tuhoe, Te WhakatÃ
Âhea, NgÃÂti Raukawa
- 2022 Te Taepa Kameta NgÃÂti Pikiao, NgÃÂti Rangiunuora, Te Arawa, Te WhakatÃ
Âhea, Taranaki
- 2022 Te Aroha Paenga NgÃÂti Porou, NgÃÂti Kahungunu, Tainui
- 2021 Tangiwai Ria Te Aitanga-a-MÃÂhaki
- 2021 Trevor Maxwell NgÃÂti Rangiwewehi, Te Arawa
- 2020 Tihi Puanaki, NgÃÂti Hine (2020)
- 2019 Wetini Mitai-Ngatai â Te Arawa, Te Whakatohea
- 2018 Kuini Moehau Reedy, MNZM. NgÃÂti Porou
- 2018 TÃÂ Pita Sharples KNZM, CBE, NgÃÂti Kahungunu
- 2017 Louise Kingi, Te Aitanga-a-MÃÂhaki
Te Tohu Iho PÃ
«manawa | Recognises the contribution of a MÃÂori artist with the lived experience of disability
- 2024 RÃÂhera Turner Waikato/Tainui, NgÃÂti Mahuta, Te PatupÃ
Â, NgÃÂti TÃ
«wharetoa
- 2022 Anaru Ruka NgÃÂpuhi, NgÃÂti Raukawa, NgÃÂti Tuwharetoa
- 2021 Cara Waretini NgÃÂti Rangi, Te ÃÂti Haunui-a-PÃÂpÃÂrangi, NgÃÂti Rongomaiwahine, NgÃÂti PÃÂkehÃÂ
- 2020 Rodney Bell NgÃÂti Maniapoto
Te MÃÂori Award | Recognising Leadership in the Development of the Te MÃÂori Exhibition
Supported by Te MÃÂori Manaaki Taonga Trust
Manaaki Taonga Award | Recognising the work of a MÃÂori Artist who fulfils the legacy of Te MÃÂori âÂÂHe Taonga Tuku IhoâÂÂ
Supported by Te MÃÂori Manaaki Taonga Trust
- Lewis Gardiner, Te Arawa, NgÃÂti Awa, Whanau a Apanui, NgÃÂi Tahu (2019)
References