Qiane Matata-Sipu, creator of NUKU, has won the Arts & Culture section of the 2021 Women of Influence Awards. Of Cook Islands heritage Qiane is an advocate, photographer, media specialist and community leader.
In a statement Qiane says she is very humbled to receive this award.
“This isn’t just for me it acknowledges the effort of my whānau at Ihumātao and the incredible contributions that Indigenous wāhine make every day.
I encourage all wāhine to continue to disrupt the system, to prioritise wāhine voices to change the narrative, and to create a more socially and environmentally sustainable world for our tamariki and mokopuna.”
The Women of Influence awards celebrates the stories of women making a difference to the lives of New Zealanders. Past winners include Parris Goebel, Aigagalefili Fepulea’i Tapua’i, Debbie Sorensen, Emeline Afeaki-Mafile’o.
Image credit: Qiane Matata-Sipu, NUKU