Te Puni Kōkiri supported the launch of the inaugural Māori Music Awards showcasing Māoridom’s top musical talent.

Four past and present Māori entertainers and composers were honoured at a gala event held in Palmerston North - Sir Howard Morrison, Tommy Taurima, Missy and Tui Teka, and Kapahaka legends Ngapo and Pimia Wehi.

“Māori music in its traditional and contemporary form is an important part of Māori culture and identity,” says Māori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia.

“I am pleased to see the establishment of an annual awards programme that will specifically recognise and celebrate the contribution that Māori music composition makes to Māori and to New Zealand”, he says.

“It was particularly pleasing to see the long-term contribution of people such as Sir Howard Morrison, Tommy Taurima, Missy Teka, and Ngapo and Pimia Wehi recognised”.

The Chairman of Te Matatini, Tama Huata, says the evening was a culmination of months of hard work. “It was a tremendous evening of celebration of our musical icons and it was great to see them up on stage performing again.

“An award just for Māori has never been done before. Seeing everyone come together to remember and honour our musical icons is something I will always remember,” he says.

The first recipients of the awards will be announced in early 2008. The awards are open to all Māori composers. There are 14 categories ranging from Best Kapahaka Album composition to Best Songwriter, to Best Children’s Album, Best Waiata and Best Haka, to name just a few.

Entries close in December 2007 and all the details of how to enter can be found on the website http://waiatamaoriawards.co.nz/