Māori Arts Icons Honored with Legacy Medallions | Auckland News

Witi Ihimaera Smiler and Darcy Nicholas, two titans of Māori arts, have been honored with New Zealand’s highest living artist award — the Icon Award Whakamana Hiranga — joining a rare group of twenty legends. Each recipient receives a sacred bronze medallion, passed down through generations as a symbol of artistic legacy, once held by icons like Maurice Gee and Sir Donald McIntyre. Smiler, whose acclaimed work “Whale Rider” shaped global perceptions, sees himself as a mountain for emerging artists to climb, while Nicholas, with over six decades of artistry, reflects on how creativity connects us to peace and purpose. The ceremony, hosted by Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, celebrated their enduring influence alongside other cultural giants like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Dame Patricia Grace — cementing their place as pillars of Aotearoa’s creative soul. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/0914c0529d4172ce