We’re thrilled to announce eight new Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureates – outstanding practising artists recognised for their world-class work and profound impact on Aotearoa New Zealand’s culture and communities.

Each Laureate receives a $50,000 gift — no strings attached — given in recognition of their extraordinary contribution to date and as a nudge to keep going. This incredible total of $400,000 in direct support is made possible thanks to the generosity of a small but mighty group of arts backers across Aotearoa.

The award for literature has gone to Catherine Chidgey: Catherine Chidgey Receive the Burr/Tatham Trust Award

‘Catherine is without a doubt one of Aotearoa’s most important living writers. With a career spanning three decades and ten novels, Catherine shows no signs of slowing down, with her extraordinary work ethic and her impeccably crafted novels winning awards and accolades near and far. Catherine is a highly respected leader in the literary community, supporting other authors, new and established.’

Coverage of the 2026 Laureates can be found here:

• RNZ: Actors, writer and painter among eight Arts Foundation laureates named
• The Post: Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi awards $400,000 to this year’s new crop of laureates
• Stuff: Meet this year’s NZ Arts Foundation laureates
• ThreeNews: Live cross from the awards
• 1News: Live cross from the awards
• Your Weekend: Anapela Polata’ivao on life after Tinā and being named an Arts Foundation Laureate