Every day, across Aotearoa’s correctional environments, people are doing quiet, transformative work through the arts. Some are running programmes that reconnect individuals to their whakapapa. Others are leading by example, bringing courage, creativity and vision into correctional spaces. Many are doing this mahi behind the scenes, with no expectation of recognition.

Arts Access Aotearoa’s national Arts in Corrections Awards 2025 are an opportunity to change that. Nominations close at midnight on Saturday 1 November 2025.

These Awards are about acknowledging the people who make a difference, not only in what they deliver but in how they deliver it. They reflect the values of our national Arts in Corrections Network: manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, tikanga, tika me te pono and kotahitanga. They also align with the aspirations of Ara Poutama Aotearoa’s Hōkai Rangi Strategy, which calls for culturally grounded, community connected and whānau-centred approaches to rehabilitation.

Too often, we miss the chance to uplift the people who are quietly shaping a more hopeful, creative and inclusive future. The Awards are not just a certificate or a photo opportunity. They are a way for the Arts in Corrections sector to say "This mahi matters". You are seen. Your efforts are part of something greater.

Why nominate someone

We all know someone who deserves acknowledgement whether it's a peer, a tutor, a mentor, a volunteer, a programme participant or a site staff member who supports from the sidelines.

You might be working with someone who is:

• embedding tikanga Māori into their practice with authenticity and respect
• showing leadership by designing or delivering arts programmes that uplift others
• building bridges between the arts and their whānau, culture or community
• mentoring others quietly, consistently, and without seeking credit
• delivering sustained and thoughtful work in a challenging environment
• supporting others in their creative development while in care or post release.

By nominating someone, you help raise the standard of what is possible in our field and encourage others to look at what we value – not only outcomes but also processes, not only performance but also principle.

Nominations are open now. Please complete the form.

The two national awards

Māui Tikitiki a Taranga Award: This award recognises outstanding leadership, creativity, and innovation in the use of the arts in correctional facilities. Named after Māui, a figure known for courage, risk-taking and transformational thinking, it honours those who break new ground and help shape national conversations around arts, rehabilitation and inclusion.

Whai Tikanga Award: This award celebrates individuals or groups using tikanga-based arts practice to build identity, foster connection and support pro social development. It is for those who uphold kaupapa Māori values in meaningful ways, embedding culture into creative rehabilitation work with integrity and care.

Each award is designed to centre values as much as outcomes. We are not only looking for polished programmes. We are looking for people who hold a strong sense of purpose and who work in ways that uplift others, especially within the context of care, identity and community change.

A new approach to ceremonies

Instead of one national awards event, Arts Access Aotearoa is decentralising the ceremonies and bringing them to each recipient’s local site.

This decision is partly practical because it reduces costs and minimises disruption. But more importantly, it reflects our kaupapa. It ensures that recognition happens in context, surrounded by the people and communities most closely connected to the mahi.

Each site-based awards presentation ceremony will be planned in collaboration with the recipient and local staff. Mana whenua, dignitaries, programme participants and whānau will be involved, where appropriate. This approach ensures each ceremony is personal, meaningful and grounded in place.

Take the time to nominate

The national Arts in Corrections Awards are not only about honouring excellence. They are about building culture, strengthening our community, and showing what is possible when we place creativity, identity and integrity at the centre of rehabilitation.

I encourage you to take the time to nominate. Let’s celebrate the changemakers in our sector. Let’s uplift the stories that too often go untold. Let’s recognise the power of the arts to bring healing, connection and transformation.

Nominations close at midnight on Saturday 1 November 2025. Please contact Neil Wallace if you have any queries (Email: neil.wallace@artsaccess.org.nz Phone: 04 802 4349). Make your nomination now.