Kaumatua honoured for skill with taiaha

Te Arawa kaumatua Mita Mohi's lifetime of teaching haka and mau taiaha has been honoured with a Te Waka Toi award.

Mr Mohi has been involved in the resurgence of mau taiaha for 35 years after starting the Mokoia Taiaha Wananga, now the longest-running mau taiaha wananga in the country, which has seen more than 20,000 people attend courses.

He has also served on marae committees, school trust boards, the Parole Board and as kaumatua for the police.

Mr Mohi was awarded the Nga Tohu a Ta Kingi Ihaka (Sir Kingi Ihaka award) on Saturday night.

Maori arts board of Creative New Zealand and Te Waka Toi chairman Darrin Haimona said Mr Mohi was being recognised and honoured for his contribution to Maori martial arts as a teacher and performer.

The work Mr Mohi had done with the taiaha benefited not only Te Arawa but the whole of New Zealand, Mr Haimona said.

"This award has been a long time coming.

"He definitely deserves this award - we're honoured he accepted that award on behalf of all Maori artists in this country."

Mr Haimona said the taiaha wasn't Mr Mohi's only contribution to New Zealand.

"He also played rugby league for the Kiwis, in 1972 he toured France, and he also has an MBE.

"I think it's pretty neat that he can also make it in the sports arena as well."

Te Waka Toi Awards, presented annually by Creative New Zealand, are the only Maori art awards that encompass oration, literature, music, performance and visual arts.

They also honour tohunga, artists and community leaders who have made an outstanding contribution to Maori arts.

"Celebrating those who tirelessly promote and preserve Maori arts is a great honour for Te Waka Toi," Mr Haimona said.

"Through their generosity and talent, they have enriched communities and lives and invested in a rich future for Maori arts."