It is the first time that the Te Waka Toi Awards have been held outside of Wellington and Auckland.
This time, Te Papaiouru, Ōhinemutu in Rotorua celebrates the best of the best in Māori arts.
The contributions of Te Waka Toi pioneers, late Sir Kingi Ihaka, Te Kuru o te Marama Waaka and Ngoi Pewhairangi have filtered down to this event.
One element of great importance to Te Waka Toi is providing assistance to new emerging Māori artists like Te Utanga Tautuhi.
Dr Rangimarie Turuki Rose Pere is receiving a life time award in Māori Arts as a strong advocate in education, community development and language revitalisation for the past 40 years.
Carver Te Warihi Hetaraka of Ngāti Wai, Ngāpuhi and Tainui also received a life time award for his work pertaining to carving.
In total there were ten Māori artists acknowledged at the gathering, the Supreme Award went to renowned visual artist Sandy Adsett.
Professor Derek Lardelli was awarded the making a difference to Māori Arts and the Māori language award went to Dr Apirana Mahuika.