Te Waka Toi Awards celebrate and recognise excellence in Maori Art

Turene Huiarau Jones recieved a Nga Manu Pirere Award for her work in script writing. Photo/Supplied

Up and coming Ngati Whakaue script writer Turene Huiarau Jones has been recognised among some of the country's most talented artists, advocates and community leaders.

On Saturday night the outstanding achievement, leadership and excellence of New Zealand's Maori artists was recognised at the Te Waka Toi Awards 2017 hosted by Creative New Zealand.

In all 11 winners were recognised for their outstanding contribution to Nga Toi Maori across seven categories, including two Nga Manu Pirere awards for emerging artists, at a celebration held at Te Papa.

Since 1986 these prestigious national annual awards have recognised excellence and achievement across all art forms including marae arts (traditional, marae-based art forms such as carving and weaving) as well as contemporary art forms such as theatre, literature, film, photography, sculpture and visual arts.

Miss Jones was the recipient of a Nga Manu Pirere Award for her work in script writing.

Growing up in Rotorua she always liked acting and did speech and drama all the way through her time at Western Heights High School.

She began play writing as part of a university assignment in 2015.

"It was through the university drama department, my lecturer suggested I should try my hand at writing," she said.

"I was really nervous to put my work out there, but she said that uni was a safe environment to give it a go, so I said all right."

She received an A+ for that first play, I Ain't Mad At Cha, and it went on to a sold out season.

The play received critical acclaim at Basement Theatre and was a finalist in Playmarket's b4 25 competition.

"It's weird, like it's still quite surreal," she said.

"I have had lots of help, there's definitely been a lot of people to give me a hand, I couldn't have done it on my own."

After interning at South Pacific Pictures writing for television, she is now writing for the Canadian/New Zealand trans-media series Fierce Girls.

"I want to write more plays, and maybe get a novel out," she said.

"I do want to focus mainly on the issues that affect Maori."

Miss Jones said the Te Waka Toi Award ceremony was an opportunity to meet "amazing people who had spent their lives dedicated to the Maori language and people".

"I was very flustered and very nervous," she said.

"Being surrounded by such prestigious people, it was really fun."

She said she particularly wanted to thank Ngati Whakaue, Rongowhakaata and the Rotoiti 15, Kokako and Whangamoa trusts.

"They pretty much funded my way through university, which is what helped me get to where I am now."

Te Waka Toi Award winners 2017

Te Tohu Aroha mo Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu (Supreme Award) in recognition of leadership, excellence and outstanding contribution to Maori arts
- Fred Graham (Ngati Koroki Kahukura, Raukawa, based in Waiuku), Tohunga contemporary sculptor.
Mr Graham is a sculptor whose work is displayed prominently in many public spaces in New Zealand and overseas. His work has a strong connection to Te Ao Maori.

Te Tohu o Te Papa Tongarewa Rongomaraeroa in recognition of excellence and outstanding contribution to Maori arts, supported by Te Papa Tongarewa
- The late Dr Cliff Whiting ONZ (Te Whanau-a-Apanui)
Dr Whiting, who passed away recently aged 81, made a contribution across a wide variety of art forms. His many large-scale works are displayed in public places around New Zealand such as the National Library, the Christchurch High Court, the Beehive, and Television New Zealand.

Te Tohu a Ta Kingi lhaka in recognition of a lifetime of contribution to strengthening Māori art and culture (five recipients)
- Tawhiri Williams (Tuhoe, based in Auckland) MNZM, Marae Arts/Performing arts, Te Reo
Mr Williams has spent more than 50 years as a successful teacher, principal, teacher educator and kapa haka tutor.

- Kaa Williams (Tuhoe, based in Auckland) QSO, Marae Arts/Performing arts, Te Reo
Mrs Williams has had a distinguished career in education and Maori broadcasting for more than 50 years.

- Manahi Paewai (Rangitane, based in Dannevirke) MNZM, Marae Arts
Mr Paewai's leadership of many iwi and hapu bodies included a principal role in the formation of Rangitane o Tamaki nui na Rua and in its subsequent Treaty of Waitangi claim.

- Ronald Boyd Hudson (Ngati Ruanui, Ngaruahine, Whakatohea, based in New Plymouth) QSM, Marae Arts
An advocate for better social and health services for Maori, Mr Hudson has been an iwi representative on several health organisation governance bodies.

- Miriama Paraki (Tuwharetoa, Te Arawa, Tuhoe, based near Ruatahuna), Marae Arts
Tuhoe kaumatua and renowned holder of customary knowledge, Ms Paraki is regularly called upon by her community and whanau for advice, wisdom, and support.

Te Tohu Aroha mo Ngoi Kumeroa Pewhairangi: "Whakarongo, Titiro, Korero" in recognition of leadership and outstanding contribution to the promotion of Te Reo Rangatira, supported by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori (Maori Language commission)
- Pembroke Peraniko Bird (Ngati Manawa, Ngati Tahu, based in Murupara) QSM, MNZM, Te Reo Maori
Mr Bird has had a long and distinguished career in mainstream and Maori education. As a secondary school teacher and principal he has been a passionate advocate of advancing Te Reo Maori in education for many years.

Te Tohu Toi Ke a Te Waka Toi in recognition of a significant, positive impact on the development and practice of Maori arts
- Briar Grace-Smith (Ngapuhi, based on the Kapiti Coast), Theatre, Literature, Film
Writer of plays, screenplays, short fiction and radio and television scripts, Ms Smith has worked for the New Zealand Film Commission and has taught writing for theatre at the prestigious International Institute of Modern Letters at Victoria University.

Te Tohu Whakamanawa o Te Matatini in recognition of outstanding contribution to Kapa Haka, supported by Te Matatini Kapa Haka Aotearoa
- Louise Kingi (Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, based in Waihirere near Gisborne)
Having competed at the Te Matatini national kapa haka competitions every year since 1972, Miss Kingi is unrivalled in Aotearoa for her commitment to and aroha (love) of kapa haka.

Nga Manu Pirere in recognition of achievement by a young Māori artist at an early career stage (two recipients)
- Chevron Te-Whetumatarau Hassett (Ngati Porou, Ngati Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine, based in Lower Hutt) Photography and Visual Art
Mr Hassett's emerging career has involved advertising, journalism, mural and documentary projects.

- Turene Huiarau Jones (Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Whakaue, based in Auckland), scriptwriting for Theatre and Screen
Miss Jones received an A+ for her first play, was a finalist in Playmarket's b4 25 competition and is now writing for the Canadian/New Zealand trans-media series Fierce Girls.