Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award

The New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata acknowledges the passing of Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII and celebrates the naming of Kuini Nga wai hono i te po Pootatau Te Wherowhero VIII as the new Maaori Queen.

The Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award is a competition that encourages young Maaori artists to create portraits of their tupuna (ancestors) in any medium. The Award is hosted and administered by Te Pūkenga Whakaata the New Zealand Portrait Gallery in honour of the late Maaori King, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII.

The Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award provides young Māori artists with the opportunity to showcase their talents on the national stage, while also playing an important role in recording and celebrating tūpuna (ancestors) and their stories.

The Award culminates with an exhibition of finalist artworks at The New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata in Wellington over a three month period, timed to coincide with Matariki. Judging of the shortlisted works is undertaken by a distinguished panel at the opening of the exhibition.

The inaugural Award competition was held in 2021.