"I have seen and admired the work that Brian and Jill have done over many, many years," Mr Maxwell said.
Ms Walker said she was happy to see everybody in the one room for the celebration.
"I would like to thank each and every one of you and all the people who came with you as well as those who are not here anymore," she said to the crowd through tears.
The Travelling Tuataras formed in the early 1990s and have travelled nationwide helping communities with art programmes. They met as students at Waiariki Institute of Technology.
Some of their community work includes Night Magic - a children's literature celebration, Children's Day celebrations, ArtsMad - organising and hosting speakers who share inspirational presentations, and the Rotorua Children's Art House.