Bodie’s work “
Nana”, a photograph
depicting his great-uncle Pat Kingi, or as he’s more
affectionately known as, Nana Pat, was chosen as the winner
from an impressive 128 entries nationwide and 50 finalists
at the TSB Arena in Wellington on Thursday 27 May
2021.
Following the award ceremony, a hikoi took place
where the winner and runner-up were led by Kiingi Tuheitia
to the NZ Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata who
officially opened the exhibition with a
blessing.
Bodie, whose iwi affiliations include
Waikato, Ngāti Hikairo, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Apakura,
Ngāti Pūkenga, Tapuika, and Ngāti Porou, says the award