His second whare whakairo, Ihenga, was completed at Tangatarua Marae at the Waiariki Institute of Technology in Rotorua between 1993 and 1996.
He used Ihenga as a model to explore the tensions between customary and contemporary Māori art practice. Later he co-authored Ihenga: Te Haerenga Hou, The Evolution of Māori Carving in the 20th century in 2007.
He has exhibited internationally in Aotearoa and his work is held in the collections of The British Museum, The Scottish Museum, Te Papa and in numerous private collections.
In 2004 he was one of the concept developers behind New Zealand's gold award winning Chelsea garden show entry.
Kawerau-based master weaver Mere Walker also received an award.
Walker, Whakatōhea, has been described as one of the best tutors of rāranga (traditional weaving) whose work has had a local and global impact.
With a deep understanding of her artform, she has inspired many to take up rāranga, and has become a highly respected expert in all of its aspects. Using materials including harakeke, pingao and kiekie, she has created many outstanding works, including kete, and woven whāriki (mats) as well as tukutuku panels for marae restoration projects.
A former president of Te Roopu Waihanga Taonga O Putauaki (Putauaki Creative Arts Group), and Rautahi Māori committee, her work has been displayed and exhibited in New Zealand and abroad. Between 1997 and 1999 she led a team of 12 weavers to repair the woven panels of the Mataatua Wharenui, a famous meeting house that was originally completed in 1875 and dedicated to Queen Victoria.
The Te Waka Toi Awards are hosted by the Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa through Creative New Zealand and are supported by Te Puni Kōkiri, Te Papa, Te Matatini, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (The Māori Language Commission) and Te Māngai Pāho.
Winners of this year's awards were announced at a ceremony at Te Papa on Saturday evening.
