“I feel extremely humbled by this, it was extremely unexpected. I just hope I can live up to the expectations that I feel come with an award like this.”
Among the other winners was experienced weaver Christina Hurihia Wirihana.
She joins her mother, Matekino Lawless, who received an award in 2015 as a winner at the awards.
Wirihana said the inspiration from her mother and the whenua she called home was imbued in the fibres she used to create her work.
“I’ve used my maunga Matawhaura and my roto, Te Rotoiti a Ihenga every day, so those are the natural elements that inspire me,” she said.
The awards just keep coming for Rob Ruha. Photo / Paul Taylor
Musician Rob Ruha, weaver Veranoa Hetet, and kapa haka stalwart Te Aroha Paenga were also among the winners.
Other winners included painters, playwrights, orators, navigators, musicians, and kapa haka performers.
Several of those recognised have played important roles in reviving several skills that may otherwise have been lost, including ocean-going navigation and the whatu kakahu method of garment weaving.
Ngā Toi Whakaihuwaka 2022 - winners
Te Tohu Aroha mō Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu exemplary / supreme award Dame Robin White - (Ngāti Awa)
Ngā Tohu a Tā Kingi Ihaka | Sir Kingi Ihaka Award recognising lifetime contribution Muriwwai Ihakara - (Ngāti Porou, Te Arawa) posthumously awarded; Christina (Tina) Hurihia Wirihana - (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Whawhakia, Tainui, Te Arawa, Ngāti Rangiunora).
Ngā Tohu Hautūtanga Auaha Toi - making a difference award: Veranoa Hetet QSM - (Te Atiawa, Ngāti Tuwharetoa and Ngāti Maniapoto); Ross Hemera - (Ngāi Tahu); Gabrielle Belz - (Ngāpuhi & Te Atiawa).
Te Tohu Iho Pūmanawa Award - recognising the contribution of a Māori artist with the lived experience of disability Anaru Ruka - (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tuwharetoa).
Ngā Manu Pīrere Award - Recognising emerging Māori artists Ngamako Rota - (Waikato, Ngaati Mahuta); Ming Ranginui - (Te Ati Haunui-a-Pāpārangi); p Walters - (Ngāti Kuri).
Te Tohu o Te Papa Tongarewa Rongomaraeroa - Recognises the recipient’s outstanding contribution to Ngā Toi Māori: Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr - (Tainui); Jack Thatcher - (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti); Stanley Conrad - (Te Aupouri).
Te Tohu aroha mō Ngoi Kumeroa Pewhairangi - Recognises the recipient’s outstanding work strengthening te Reo Rangatira: Rob Ruha - (Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Rangiteaorere, Tūhourangi).
Te Tohu a Te Matatini - contribution to kapa haka: Te Aroha Paenga - (Ngāti Porou); Te Taepa Kamenta - (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Te Rangiunuora, Taranaki, Te Whakatōhea). - RNZ
