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. The awards recognise tohunga (skilled people), artists and community leaders across all arts forms including visual and performing arts. 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 * Te Tohu Toi Kē a Te Waka Toi (Making a Difference Award)