Cook Islander Mary Ama has been awarded a prestigious Museum Medal (Companion of Auckland War Memorial Museum)
recognising her contributions to Pacific arts and preserving cultural heritage.
Upon immigrating to New Zealand from Rarotonga, Ama founded 'Pacifica Mamas' in the 1980's, a space for Pacific artists and knowledge holders to actively practice, teach and preserve indigenous
arts.
This gathering continues today through Moanaroa, the Pacific Arts Centre in West Auckland.
Home to over 32,000 members from 26 ethnic groups, the space provides the opportunity for an intergenerational exchange
of traditional knowledge.
Weavers, carvers, artists, dancers and more congregate at the centre to share their talents with younger generations of
New Zealand-born Pacific islanders.
Ama said she was "moved beyond words" at the awards ceremony at the Auckland Museum on 26 June.
"I feel honored and humbled to receive the Museum Medal, but know it is not mine alone. It acknowledges the huge
contribution, stories and knowledge shared by our people of Te moana nui a kiva (Pacific Ocean)."
Auckland Museum Tumu Whakarae chief executive David Reeves said he Museum Medals recognise individuals who have
delivered excellence in the study of our cultural and natural heritage.
"This year's recipients have made major contributions to their areas of study and the creation of new knowledge, and it
is a privilege to be able to celebrate their achievement with the recognition of the Museum Medals," he said.
Ama was one of four winners of this year's Museum Medals, alongside Dr John Braggins (Associate Emeritus of Auckland War
Memorial Museum), Dr Susan Abasa (Companion of Auckland War Memorial Museum) and Christina Hurihia Wirihana (Companion
of Auckland War Memorial Museum).