Two New Zealanders who shared in the success of Disney blockbuster Moana are among five new arts laureates.
The New Zealand Arts Awards, announced today, dished out prizes to 11 artists, including five $50,000 laureate awards.
Rob Ruha and Jemaine Clement are among five Laureate Award winners Photo: Supplied
The laureates are actor and writer Jemaine Clement, singer-songwriter Rob Ruha, director Niki Caro, painter and print-maker Robin White and choreographer Ross McCormack.
Both Clement and Ruha are part of a cohort of New Zealanders involved in Moana - Clement voiced narcissistic crab Tamatoa, while Ruha was the musical director for the recently-released te reo version of the movie.
Three younger artists were also given New Generation awards, worth $25,000.
Poet Hera Lindsay Bird is among three New Generation award winners. Photo: Russell Kleyn
They are poet Hera Lindsay Bird, composer Salina Fisher, and interdisciplinary artist Tiffany Singh.
Children's author and illustrator Donovan Bixley received the $15,000 Mallinson Rendel Illustrators Award, while the Marti Friedlander Photographic Award went to photographer Roberta Thornley.
The Arts Awards are no-strings-attached monetary prizes that are decided by an independent panel - there is no application or nomination process.
