Whangarei master carver, teacher and mentor Te Warihi Kokowai Hetaraka (Ngāti Wai, Tainui, Ngāpuhi) was recognised today when Creative New Zealand presented him the Outstanding Individual Contribution Award 2007 at the Local Government New Zealand Conference in Dunedin. His contribution was acknowledged during the presentation of the Creative Places Awards 2007, which recognise local government's vital investment in the arts of New Zealand. Stephen Wainwright, Chief Executive of Creative New Zealand, said Te Warihi had made a huge contribution to Northland and to New Zealand. Along with a national and international reputation for his artwork, Te Warihi is widely respected for his profound knowledge of tikanga Māori. A graduate of the first intake of the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute in Rotorua in 1969, he has touched the lives of many people in Northland and beyond over the past thirty years. As a master carver, he has represented Māori and New Zealand at conferences and seminars around the world. Among his many works are the carvings in the Māori Affairs Select Committee Room of Parliament Buildings, the carving of Whangarei's Terenga Paraoa Marae and Te Wairoa, an 18-metre waka taua. For more information, CLICK HERE.