NZ artists receive Laureate Awards

Five New Zealand artists have each received $50,000 and been honoured for their achievements at the ninth annual Arts Foundation of New Zealand Laureate Awards in Wellington.

The recipients of this year's awards were visual artist Shane Cotton, costume designer Ngila Dickson, actor George Henare, writer Lloyd Jones and baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes.

Each also received a specially commissioned Terry Stringer statuette.

Foundation chairman Ros Burdon said the awards went to artists whose careers were in full flight.