**The Arts Foundation’s Icon Award Whakamana Hiranga: Celebrating Legacy**

This year, the Arts Foundation has honoured two remarkable individuals, Tā Pita Sharples KNZM CBE and Neil Finn OBE, with the prestigious Icon Award Whakamana Hiranga. This highest honour recognises their lifetime achievements and mark on the arts, solidifying their places among New Zealand’s most significant artists.

**Tā Pita Sharples: A Life Dedicated to Preserving Māori Arts**

Tā Pita Sharples has dedicated his life to preserving and revitalising the arts of Kapa Haka and Mau Rākau. With a career spanning over four decades, he has made an indelible mark on New Zealand’s cultural landscape.

In 1983, Tā Pita founded Te Whare Tū Taua o Aotearoa (the National School of Ancient Māori Weaponry), reviving the ceremonial and fighting art of mau rākau. This initiative not only revitalised a dying art form but also empowered urban Māori communities to stay connected to their cultural identity.

Tā Pita has won numerous accolades, including Best Male Leader at Te Matatini on multiple occasions. He is one of only nine life members of Te Matatini and has choreographed, composed, and performed kapa haka for his group, with several waiata and haka now recognised as classics.

**Neil Finn: A Legacy of Musical Excellence**

For over four decades, Neil Finn has been on an evolving journey from joining his brother Tim in the 80s art/pop band Split Enz to leading Crowded House and pursuing numerous solo efforts. His work with Crowded House resulted in iconic hits like ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’ and ‘Something So Strong’, setting the standard for erudite jangle-pop during the mid-eighties.

Neil Finn’s albums, such as Woodface and Together Alone, further cemented his reputation as a musical maestro. With a career spanning multiple genres and projects, Neil Finn has solidified his place among New Zealand’s most respected artists.

**The Icon Awards Whakamana Hiranga: Celebrating Legacy**

Established in 2003, the Icon Awards Whakamana Hiranga are the Arts Foundation’s highest honour, recognising the impact each artist has had on their practice, community, and the cultural landscape of Aotearoa. This year marks a total of 46 artists honoured as Icon Whakamana Hiranga, with 20 living and 26 having passed away.

Each Icon Whakamana Hiranga receives a bronze medallion set with pounamu and a pin designed by sculptor John Edgar. The pin is given to the recipient, while the medallion passes on to a future icon at the time of their death.

**Conclusion**

The Arts Foundation’s Icon Award Whakamana Hiranga is a testament to the enduring legacy of Tā Pita Sharples and Neil Finn. Their contributions to New Zealand’s arts scene have left an indelible mark, and their honour will continue to inspire future generations of artists.