Former politician and kapa haka exponent Tā Pita Sharples (Ngāti Kahungunu) has been recognised by the Arts Foundation as one of the most significant artists in Aotearoa New Zealand in a special ceremony at Government House in Wellington today.

He was honoured alongside accomplished singer-songwriter Neil Finn with the Icon Award Whakamana Hiranga for 2024, and together they join 20 other living artists who have been celebrated for their extraordinary contributions to the arts sector.

"If I can be accredited with anything positive with our people — that's all I care about," said Tā Pita on receiving the award.

"I've been lucky. I've been helped [by] ētahi o ngā kaumātua kua ngaro atu, mai tērā iwi, tērā iwi e noho ana i Tāmaki Makaurau, e mahi tahi ana i tētahi kaupapa.

"(I've been helped [by] elders who have since passed on, who came from iwi from all over but were living in Auckland and working together on projects)."

Long before becoming a politician, Tā Pita played a vital role in the revival and success of kapa haka (Māori performing arts) and mau rākau (Māori weaponry).

In 1968, he founded haka group Te Roopū Manutaki, helping urban Māori stay connected to their heritage. "Blame Te Aute Kareti-College for that!" he said, when asked about why he wanted to start the group.

He said he was inspired by the likes of famous Te Aute College alumni, such as Sir Apirana Ngata, to contribute to te iwi Māori.

"Totally. I was just … Apirana Ngata just haunted me and all those other tupuna who went through there."

In the 1970s, he led the establishment of Hoani Waititi Marae, a pan-tribal marae in West Auckland, and it opened its doors in 1980. He remains actively involved in its community.

In 1983, during the renaissance of te reo Māori and tikanga, he established Te Whare Tū Taua o Aotearoa, the international school of ancient Māori weaponry, and in 1985, he played a key role in establishing the first full immersion Māori school, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae.

Thirty-nine years on, Tā Pita reflects on how far the kura kaupapa Māori movement has come.

"Ahakoa haere koe ki Taranaki, ki Te Waipounamu, ki Kahungunu, ki hea raanei; kōhanga reo, kura kaupapa Māori, wharekura, ērā āhuatanga, kua puawai.

"(Whether you're in Taranaki, the South Island, Kahungunu, wherever; kōhanga reo, kura kaupapa Maaori, wharekura are all thriving)."

kapa haka – Māori performing arts

Tā – Sir

mau rākau – traditional Māori weaponry

tikanga – Māori customs and protocols

kareti – college

tupuna – elders