An internationally renowned tattoo artist has taken away the supreme award at one of New Zealand's longest running Pacific art awards.
Sonny Bill Williams is set to return to the All Blacks for the end of year tour. Photo: Photosport
The 2014 Arts Pasifika Awards celebrates excellence and innovation in Pacific arts and was held in Wellington this week.
Tattoo artist Steve Ma Ching, who is of Samoan and Chinese descent, claimed the top award for his contribution to reviving the art of cultural Polynesian tattoos over the last 33 years.
He has tattooed a range of sportspeople but says All Black Sonny Bill Williams is the biggest ambassador for his work.
"I can't thank him enough. He has taken that Polynesian tattoo and exposed it to the world. What better advertising could you have?"
