Te Waka Toi, the Mäori Arts Board of Creative New Zealand, has recently announced the recipient of the 2002 Te Tohu Tiketike a Te Waka Toi / Te Waka Toi Exemplary Award, recognising outstanding leadership and service to Mäori arts and culture. New Zealand musician, composer, writer and academic Dr Hirini Melbourne, was recently presented with the award, for his contribution to the preservation of taonga puoro (traditional musical instruments), the promotion of te reo Mäori and to New Zealand’s culture. Dr Melbourne is noted as leading the resurgence of traditional Mäori music. He has produced more than 20 music recordings and has played a key role the revival of the making and playing of traditional Mäori musical instruments. As a result of his work, these instruments are now widely used by musicians and in kapa haka performance. Over many years, he has served as an assessor for Te Waka Toi, as well as the Arts Board. His extensive knowledge of te reo Mäori, the history of Tühoe and of music has enhanced the profile of Mäori arts. Te Waka Toi Chair, Elizabeth Ellis, comments that Melbourne is somewhat of a 'national treasure', and that 'he has preserved and promoted traditional Mäori music that may otherwise have been lost to us... Through his scholarship and creativity, he has promoted Mäori language and culture to many communities throughout Aotearoa.' 'This award demonstrates the gratitude of all New Zealanders,' she concluded.