Mr Wetini Mitai-Ngatai, of Rotorua, ONZM, for services to Māori performing arts
Wetini Mitai-Ngatai was involved with a number of cultural groups before establishing his own group, Te Mātārae I Ōrehu, which has twice won first place at Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival. He was the first ever six-time recipient of the Manukura Tāne male leader award. He founded Mitai Māori Village in Rotorua, which now employs more than 100 people and provides vulnerable youth with experiences and opportunities. He founded and has been a master tutor and choreographer for Tu Taua Māori Martial Arts School. He collaborated with the New Zealand Ballet Company to create the performance ‘Ihi Frenzy’. Mr Mitai-Ngatai has choreographed performances for the WOMAD World Music Tour, the Rugby World Cup, the World Fashion Show in Taiwan, World Expo Japan, international indigenous conferences, and Pacific Arts festivals.