A tightly woven yet delicate harakeke poi created by Darlene Fay Walters has claimed first prize in the inaugural Ngati Tūwharetoa-led art awards.
Over 100 people, including the artists and whānau, attended the opening of the exhibition and judging announcement on Friday evening.
Walters' work was competing with a range of different pieces including three-minute videos, digital paintings on acrylic, mixed media works and paintings on canvas.
She said the woven poi reflected her "journey of rediscovery, reconnecting with Te Ao Māori and finding where I belong within it."
The work, named Te Ara Atea, was inspired by Waitangi 2024, where she and her son had participated in Tame Iti's Haki Atea. The ātea – the blank white space – symbolised the path between her Pākehā upbringing and Te Ao Māori.
That space, though empty at first glance, was rich with potential for connection, understanding and belonging, Walters said.
Second place was awarded to Vanessa Wairata Edwards with a mixed media, woodcut print while Māui Taewa was Highly Commended with his digital print on acrylic substrate.
Organisers are hoping the awards and exhibition will become a regular event. The exhibition at the Taupō Museum remains open for another six weeks with some of the works for sale.
