A Te Arawa woman will be receiving top honours in the National Waiata Maori Music Awards.
Ngamoni Huata, who is also of Mataatua descent, is among three recipients in the nominated awards, which recognised those who have made a significant contribution to the industry.
These categories are not judged but are awarded to highlight the work of past and present performers, singers and songwriters working in the Maori music sector.
Ngamoni and her late husband, Hemi Pititi Te Okanga Kahu Tapere Huata, tutored many kapa haka groups in their time. She is one of New Zealand's leading authors on poi. Her book The Rhythm and Life of Poi was the first of its kind published and was the first piece of formal literature on poi written by a Maori.
Ngamoni, who is based in Rotorua, is the recipient of the Keeper of Traditions Award, in the Nominated Awards section. The award recognises an individual who is or had been dedicated to the teaching of Maori culture in music.
