The Te Waka Toi awards are the premier awards in the field of ngā toi Māori (Māori arts). They have been awarded by Creative New Zealand and predecessors since 1986.[1] The awards recognise tohunga (skilled people), artists and community leaders across all arts forms including visual and performing arts.[2]
There are seven awards, including Te Tohu mō Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu (Exemplary/Supreme Award), Ngā Tohu ā Tā Kingi Ihaka (Sir Kingi Ihaka Award), which recognises the recipient's lifetime contribution to Māori arts and Te Tohu Toi Kē a Te Waka Toi (Making a Difference Award).[1]