From icons to community heroes: NZ creatives on the 2025 New Year Honours list
Twenty-one artists, advocates and administrators have been recognised in the latest New Zealand Order of Merit. The Big Idea breaks them down and celebrates their success.
Honours for creatives. Photo: Giorgio Trovato / Unsplash.
One of New Zealand’s most celebrated artists, a 50-year entertainment icon and a decorated film and TV producer were among the leading Aotearoa creatives recognised in the 2025 New Year’s Honours list.
At the ripe age of 96, Graham (Ngāti Koroki Kahukura) is still a global attraction, chosen as one of the NZ artists to be part of this year’s Venice Biennale international exhibition. It’s just one of many overseas exhibitions Graham has been involved with, including the 1986 Te Ao Marama (‘Seven Māori Artists’) exhibition that toured Australia and a 1992 US tour showcasing contemporary Māori art.
The Big Idea | Te Aria Nui is New Zealand’s online hub for creative people. Our aim is to support talented, innovative individuals and organisations, back the creative industries and advocate for creativity as an essential ingredient in the cultural and economic wealth of New Zealand. The Big Idea provides resources for the whole creative sector, including those seeking to turn their ‘big ideas’ into viable projects, careers and businesses. We are the go-to destination for work opportunities, event listings, arts stories and creative inspiration. The Big Idea is a not-for-profit trust started in 2001 and is New Zealand’s longest running creative sector website.
