New Zealand's Pacific artists were honoured at the Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards 2008 in Manukau City tonight. The awards are an opportunity for Creative New Zealand to encourage and celebrate excellence in Pacific arts in New Zealand.

Creative New Zealand's Pacific Arts Committee Chairperson Pele Walker said the annual Arts Pasifika Awards celebrate the rich and diverse range of Pacific art in New Zealand.

"Every year we are thrilled and delighted with not only the calibre of artists nominated but the range of artistic fields that they work in. The Pacific experience in New Zealand is unique, these awards are an opportunity for Creative New Zealand to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution these artists make to the flourishing New Zealand arts landscape" Pele Walker said.

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