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New Zealand’s eclectic range of Pacific artists were honoured last night at the Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards 2009 in Waitakere City.

Among those recognised by Creative New Zealand are well-travelled artisans of Samoan, Tongan and Niuean descent such as: multimedia and performance artist Shigeyuki Kihara(Samoa); master craftman Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi (Tonga) for his traditional work with lalava; operatic singer Elisha Na’otala Fa’i (Samoa); emerging composer Poulima Salima (Samoa);and Falepipi he Mafola, the Niuean Women Weavers Group .

Creative New Zealand’s Pacific Arts Committee Chairperson Pele Walker said the annual Arts Pasifika Awards celebrated the rich range of Pacific art in New Zealand.

“Every year we are thrilled and delighted with not only the calibre of artists nominated but the range of artistic fields that they work in. The Pacific experience in New Zealand is unique and these awards enable Creative New Zealand to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution these artists make to the flourishing New Zealand arts landscape.”

World-acclaimed artist Shigeyuki Kihara’s, awarded the Contemporary Pacific Artists Award, is well-known for her fearless exploration of themes of representation, authenticity, consumerism, collective memory, gender roles and spirituality. Not afraid to push the envelope, Shigeyuki’s work is captivatingly edgy with that strong and lingering scent of the Pacific. She will exhibit at the Sydney Festival and Auckland Triennale next year.

Tongan master craftsman, Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi, who won Senior Pacific Artist Award ($10,000), for his outstanding contribution to the heritage of the traditional art of lalava and ‘mana’ within the community. Lalava is the ancient Pacific Island art form of lalava (lashing) used to join materials together when building a fale, for example, in place of its modern-day alternative: nails and glue. Also a world renown sculpture artist, Filipe has recently returned from Serbia and the Cook Islands, where his work has been featured. And if that isn’t enough to keep him busy, Filipe also teaches art and share the ancient art of lalava with high school students in New Zealand, Tonga and next year in Hawaii.

Composer Poulima Salima and operatic singer Elisha Na’otala Fa’i, both of Samoan descent, were individually recognised as emerging leading artists in their field. Both have already claimed some prestigious landmarks in their early careers. Expect to see and hear more of what they bring to the planet in years to come.

Finally, the Niuean Women Weavers Group – Falepipi he Mafola Group – formed 16 years ago, as a way of preserving the language, and encouraging traditional weaving skills within their community. They have met every Thursday evening since 1993.

Full List of Awards

· Emerging Pacific Artist Award ($3000) to composer Poulima Salima

· Iosefa Enari Award ($3000) to performer Elisha Na’otala Fa’i

· Pacific Heritage Art Award ($5000) to the weaving group Falepipi he Mafola

· Contemporary Pacific Artist’s Award ($5000) to artist Shigeyuki Kihara

· Senior Pacific Artist Award ($10,000) to master craftsmen Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi.

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Past Recipient of Pasifika Arts Awards from 2002:

• Emerging Pacific Artist – Peter Panoa (2002), Shigeyuki Kihara (2003), Lonnie Hutchinson (2004), Miria George (2005), Tusiata Avia (2006), WakaUra Dance Group (2007), Linda Tuafale Tanoa’I (2008), Poulima Salima (2009)

• Iosefa Enari Memorial Award – Ben Makisi (2002), Daphne Collins (2003), Bonadventure Allan – Moetaua (2004), Ramonda Taleni (2005), Aivale Cole (2006), Sani Muamaseali’i (2007), James Ioelu (2008), Elisha Na’otala Fa’I (2009)

• Pacific Heritage Art Award (added in 2004) – Kepueli Vaomotou (2004), Mafi Malaga III (2005), Tau Fuata Niue (2006), Dr. Okusi Mahina (2007), Enuamanu Maruarua Atiu Society (2008), Falepipi he Mafola – Niuean Women Weavers Group (2009)

• Contemporary Pacific Art Award – Richard Shortland-Cooper (2002) Filipe Tohi (2003), Lemi Ponifasio (MAU Dance) (2004), John Ioane (2005), Sima Urale (2006), Nina Nawalowalo (2007), Diana Fuemana (2008), Shigeyuki Kihara (2009)

• Senior Pacific Artist Award – Johnny Penisula (2002), Albert Wendt (2003), Nathaniel Lees (2004), Opetia Foa’ai (Te Vaka) (2005), Jim Vivieaere (2006), Justine Simei-Barton (2007), Igelese Ete (2008) Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi (2009)