Interviews and talk

About the awards

The Ngā Tohu Toi awards are presented an at annual event to honour top Māori creatives from the Tauranga Moana.

Whaia te pae tawhiti kia tata, Whaia te Pae tata, Whakamaua kia u, kia tina
Reach for the horizon, for the stars, to bring them close and to hold them tight

The awards are organised by the Te Tuhi Mareikura Charitable Trust which is passionately dedicated to bringing audiences and artists together to experience, explore and develop the unique artistic legacy of the Tauranga Moana region.

As well as rewarding artistic achievement in various aspects of the arts such as film, visual arts, customary knowledge and music, they also honour creative projects, research and international achievement.

Watch the award ceremony

Gillian’s award is the last, and can be seen at about 2:49:05.

Ngā Tohu Toi Awards 2024 — video

About the interview

Mare Haimona-Riki of Te Ao Te Ao Māori News  on Māori Television interviewed me just before the premiere of my violin concerto Tai timu, Tai pari at the Auckland Town Hall in June 2022.

About the work

Tai timu, tai pari

Watch the interview

Legendary composer excited about premiere — Te Ao

About the interview

Lynn Freeman interviewed Daniel Belton and me for Standing Room Only, RNZ National’s arts programme before the Matariki premiere in Otautahi Christchurch of Ad Parnassum – Purapurawhetū.

About the work

Ad Parnassum – Purapurawhetū 

Listen to the interview

Ad Parnassum – Purapurawhetu dance film series — RNZ

About the interview

In April 2022, I was honoured to receive the 2021 Sir Kingi Ihaka Award which is given to kaumātua or kuia in recognition of their contribution to strengthening the continuity of Māori culture through their support of ngā Toi Māori.

Te Waka Toi Awards — Creative New Zealand

Because the 2021 award ceremony was held online, Creative New Zealand recorded my acceptance speech beforehand.

About the talk

I was invited by the PMDRN to give a talk for their online forum about my recollections of studying and working with Max, his influence on my work as a composer and our enduring friendship over many decades.

The forum has 2 guests: Ian Ritchie and me, and is moderated by Richard McGregor. My contribution begins about 44 minutes into the forum and is followed by members asking questions about my talk.

Watch the forum

PMD Research Network 8 October 2021: Gillian Whitehead, Ian Ritchie — Youtube

About the interview

David Morriss host of Upbeat, RNZ Concert’s music and arts news programme, wishes me many happy returns and finds out how I am spending my time.

Listen to the interview

Celebrating Dame Gillian Whitehead on the occasion of her 80th birthday — RNZ