After nearly six decades at the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute, Tohunga Whakairo Rākau (Master Carver), Clive Fugill has been made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori Art.
Featuring in the 2024 New Year Honours list, 74-year-old Clive is very humble.
“The message came through on email. I was actually quite shocked. I never expected that … when I studied it, I couldn’t believe it because it’s just under a knighthood.”
See some of the wonderful stories about the achievement in the Rotorua Daily Post feature here and on One News where he is interviewed about the honour here.
Clive was nominated by Te Takapū o Rotowhio (National Bone and Stone Carving School) graduate Ihaia Ryan, supported by Te Puia | NZMACI.
Everyone here at Te Puia | NZMACI congratulates you Clive (chiefy)!