The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi has added eight new Laureates in 2021, including celebrated musician Maisey Rika (Ngāti Awa, Te Arawa, Ngāi Tuhoe, Te Whānau a Apanui).

Established in 2000, the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate Awards celebrate and empower NZ’s most outstanding artists across a range of disciplines. The Award recognises the potential for an enduring career and significant impact on Aotearoa New Zealand, with a $25,000 gift. Maisey Rika received the Jillian Friedlander Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa award.

‘Maisey Rika is a multi-award winning singer-songwriter who tells the stories of her people. She has inspired a who’s-who of contemporary Māori musicians, achieving international stardom that is deeply grounded in Aotearoa.’ 

Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Lead, Jo Blair says, “We couldn’t think of eight artists more suited to representing the great mana of our Laureate Awards programme – particularly significant as we celebrate our 21st year of the Awards. We are incredibly proud of our legacy of backing the arts, and our Laureate programme truly embodies this.