**Tā Pita Sharples and Neil Finn Honoured with Icon Awards Whakamana Hiranga**

The Arts Foundation has announced the latest recipients of its prestigious Icon Awards Whakamana Hiranga, recognizing the lifetime achievements and mark on the arts made by Tā Pita Sharples and Neil Finn. This year marks a significant milestone, as 20 living artists join a distinguished circle of honorees who have left an indelible mark on New Zealand’s cultural landscape.

**Tā Pita Sharples: A Lifetime Commitment to Māori Arts**

Tā Pita Sharples, a renowned Māori artist and leader, has dedicated his life to preserving and revitalizing the arts of Kapa Haka and Mau Rākau. In 1983, he founded Te Whare Tū Taua o Aotearoa, a national school for ancient Māori weaponry, reviving the ceremonial and fighting art of mau rākau. This initiative not only helped to preserve Māori cultural heritage but also provided a platform for urban Māori to reconnect with their tikanga Māori and cultural identity.

Sharples’ work has been recognized through numerous awards, including multiple Best Male Leader at Te Matatini titles and top honours with Manutaki winning the Nationals in 1976 and 1990. He is also one of only nine life members of Te Matatini, a testament to his enduring impact on Māori arts.

**Neil Finn: A Decades-Long Journey in Music**

For over four decades, Neil Finn has been an evolving force in New Zealand music. From joining his brother Tim in the 80s art/pop band Split Enz, to leading Crowded House, and his numerous solo efforts, Finn’s journey has been marked by creative innovation and a passion for erudite jangle-pop.

Crowded House’s mid-eighties hits like ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’ and ‘Something So Strong’, combined with albums like Woodface and Together Alone, set the standard for the period. Finn’s solo work has also continued to push boundaries, showcasing his versatility as a songwriter and performer.

**The Icon Awards Whakamana Hiranga**

Established in 2003, the Icon Awards Whakamana Hiranga are the Arts Foundation’s highest honour, recognizing 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 – 20 are living, while 26 have passed on.

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.

**A Legacy of Creativity and Impact**

The Icon Awards Whakamana Hiranga celebrate the legacy of artists who have made an indelible mark on New Zealand’s cultural landscape. Tā Pita Sharples and Neil Finn are among the most distinguished recipients, each with a lifetime commitment to preserving and promoting their respective arts.

As we look to the future, it is clear that the Icon Awards Whakamana Hiranga will continue to recognize and celebrate the creativity and impact of artists who inspire and shape our cultural identity.