Pati Umaga recognised at the Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Award

Pati Umaga was the inaugural winner of the Pacific Toa Award, which recognises the contribution of a Pasifika artist with lived experience of disability to Pacific arts nationally or globally.

The award recognises an individual whose work, influence and commitment has raised the standards, expectations and reputation of Pacific arts and artists. It may be awarded across any artform or for arts management. It could be for an ongoing contribution to a local, national or global success story.

Pati celebrated with other winners and supporters at the Arts Pasifika Award at Parliament on 16 October.

While presenting Pati with the award, Hon Carmel Sepuloni commented that presenting the award was especially appropriate for her, as she holds responsibilities as Minister for Disability Issues and as Associate for Arts, Culture and Heritage.