Each year, New Zealand's best artists are recognised by the Arts Foundation and rewarded for their talents, achievements and efforts.
The recipients of this year's New Zealand Arts Awards include Taika Waititi, choreographer Parris Goebel and writer Eleanor Catton, all who have major international influence.
Waititi and Catton are recipients of the Laureate Award, with a cash award of $50,000, while Goebel receives the New Generation Award of $25,000.
"It's like you go off into the world with your art and here's a little helping hand, a little shove," says Waititi.
Catton received the New Generation Award in 2012, which she says was the reason she could write The Luminaries.
"I was living on the smell of an oily rag. It allowed me to survive a whole year without having to get a job," says the writer.
In total, $480,000 is awarded, and most of the funds are generated by private donations. Artists are free to use the funds as they please.
"I've been working on an EP. It's hip-hop, urban and alternative. It's cool stuff," says choreographer Goebel.
Story caught up with the three artists to find out how much do they knew about each other.
Watch the video for the full Story report.
