2022 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate receiving the Burr/Tatham Trust Award

Tūhoe maumau kai
Tūhoe maumau taona
Tūhoe maumau tanata ki te pō e!

He waikura nō Hine-pu-kohurani
e horahia ana i te whenua ki te waha o Te Urewera, ki te kaina o te riri, a ki roto Te Ruatoki o Tairuamano.

He tironimatahiwa ia i roto i te ao Māori mo ōnā mahi porotehi, me tōnā tū atu ki na kai tāmi i te reo Māori, te ao Māori, me nā tanata Māori! Heoi ano, kua waihotia ia te haki me te taiaha ki muri, ā, kua hikina te Rākau Peita, tahuri tika ki te ao Toi. Mā ōnā mahi toi, ōnā whakaaro e whakahuatia ki te ao whānui!

A creative force, Tāme is unique in his practice. He views his life as the ultimate artistic endeavour, translating his ideas through body, words, experiences and diverse mediums. His works are bold, highly visual and speak to Tāme’s innate aptitude for theatre and performance – image upon image, seared into the minds of generations of people across the globe. From shooting a national flag on government grounds to collaborating with some of Aotearoa’s greatest artists including 2018 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Icon Billy Apple. Tāme is a constant innovator, pushing boundaries to tell indigenous stories on a world stage.

The impact of Tāme’s practice is immeasurable; from his art studio in Whakatane that doubles as a community hub to the political works that have changed the course of history in Aotearoa.

Panellist: “Tāme is uncompromising and seeks to reach the biggest audience for his art. He’s an arts catalyst – and it’s time for his contribution to be re-contextualised and honoured.”